Newburgh district taxpayers will vote on a newly proposed $358.98 million budget on Tuesday, June 18. Residents had the opportunity to comment on the budget at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 11. Discussions included district finances, programming, social media misinformation, and overall board behavior.
The hearing followed the Newburgh Board of Education’s adoption of the spending plan for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which includes a proposed 2.48% tax levy increase, according to District Assistant Superintendent of Finance Kimberly Rohring. The district tax levy has not increased since the 2016-2017 school year.
An earlier proposed budget of $360.46 million, which included a 3.8% tax levy increase ($4.23 million), was rejected on May 21 with 1,097 votes against and 1,002 in favor.
The proposed budget outlines general fund revenues for the next fiscal year: $225.39 million from state sources, $470,000 from federal sources, $121.75 million from local sources, $3.5 million from the appropriated reserve, and $7.87 million from the fund balance. Budget documents are available for public review.
Board of Education President John Doerre urged voter participation.
“We have a community of 45,000 registered voters. We could fill a stadium, yet only about 2,500 people vote in school budget elections,” he said. “Next Tuesday, please show up and vote.”
Tuesday night’s hearing was the final opportunity for public comment on the revised budget before the vote. The board aims to pass the proposed budget to avoid a contingent budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Newburgh Teachers Association President Stacy Moran expressed support for the revised budget despite concerns. “The NTA voted to support the revised budget for the 24-25 school year, not because it’s better, but because contingency budgets hurt kids,” said Moran, noting the cuts to 66 NTA positions.
Former board member Ray Harvey emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s needs. “The numbers tell the story. I hope everyone here is for the kids,” he said.
Resident and district teaching assistant Shadé Burks discussed board representation and salary concerns. “When representing the community, make sure you state correctly because you don’t represent all of the community,” Burks said. “I’m a TA, so I don’t agree with cutting teachers, TAs, or social workers.”
Resident Tracy Wallace raised concerns about the district’s newest director of safety and security, guidance counseling resources, and student advocacy. Former City of Newburgh Police Chief Anthony Geraci was appointed to the position in May
“My worry is whether the budget addresses students' needs,” Wallace said.
Parent Aisha Mills defended the district’s education quality and appreciated the budget debate. “We’re discussing fiscal responsibility and priorities, not the quality of education,” Mills said.
Parent Vanessa Nisperos criticized the board’s behavior, lack of translation services, and communication difficulties. “Cuts to teachers should be off the table. If we need to raise taxes, why are pay raises being asked for?” she asked.
Tuesday’s vote will also feature a runoff election between two school board candidates: incumbent Philip Howard and Thomasina A. Bello, who each received 856 votes in last month’s election
The BOE voted to rescind previously approved conference requests, including a planned trip for district administrators to Las Vegas. Dr. Natasha Freeman-Mack explained, “We sent emails to those individuals not to book anything although the trip was board approved. We have rescinded it.”
The budget vote will take place on Tuesday from noon to 9 p.m.