The unofficial results of the 2024-2025 budget revote have resulted in the passage of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District’s proposed spending plan of $358.98 million. The runoff election held the same day resulted in candidate Thomasina A. Bello receiving the most votes against opponent incumbent Philip Howard. Results were posted on the district website later in the evening of Tuesday, June 18. 

The 24-25 budget passed with 1,106 votes in favor and 971 votes against the budget. The revised budget proposes a 2.48% tax levy increase for the district heading into next year. The overall district tax levy has not seen an increase since the 2016-2017 school year. 

An earlier proposed spending plan of $360.46 million, which included a 3.8% tax levy increase ($4.23 million), was rejected by district voters on May 21. The results were 1,097 votes against it and 1,002 in favor of it thus calling for a revised budget. 

The passage of the budget heading into 24-25 avoids the need for a contingent budget which district administrators and board members were not in favor of going towards if needed for next year. All budget information and documents are available on the school district website for public review. 

The runoff election held also on Tuesday night saw newcomer candidate Thomasina A. Bello receiving the most votes with 1,146 total. Her opponent incumbent Philip Howard received 822 votes at the end of the polling period. The reason for the runoff election this year was due to Bello and Howard receiving 856 votes each after the canvassing of votes back in May. 

With Bello receiving the highest number of votes, she will now be receiving a three year term on the board while Howard will be receiving a two year term. Bello is one of five new candidates that have been voted on to the board. The other new candidates include Christine M. Bello, Mackenzie Bousche,Victoria Bousche and Fred Stewart. Howard was the only incumbent candidate to return.

A special board of education meeting has been called for Thursday, June 20 for 6 p.m. to undergo the canvassing of votes process, similar to the process held last month. There are 18 affidavit ballots currently accounted for following the election. Immediately following the special meeting, the board will host a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Meetings for the board of education are regularly held at 124 Grand Street in the board of education auditorium.