St. Lawrence County school district voters will head to the polls today to vote whether to approve school budgets, and elect board of education members.
Budget voting time varies by district, but is generally open 1 to 8 p.m.
Here is a rundown of proposed budgets and school board candidates for districts throughout St. Lawrence County:
Potsdam Central

Residents of the Potsdam Central School District will vote Tuesday, May 20, on a proposed $43.2 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The plan keeps spending and taxes close to current levels, despite uncertainty from the delayed state budget.
The proposal increases spending by about $2 million but maintains all current programs, services, and extracurriculars. Superintendent Jerry Griffin called it a “rollover budget” with no new initiatives.
The tax levy would rise 3.06 percent to $15.9 million. Projected state and federal aid totals $22.92 million, with $4 million from fund balance helping close the gap.
Voters will also elect three school board members and consider a $367,500 bus proposition. Candidates are Molly Andrasik, Rivka Eckert, Ralph Fuller, Scott Quinell, J. Patrick Turbett, and Rachel M. H. Wallace.
Canton Central
Voters in the Canton Central School District will weigh in on a proposed $42,030,000 budget for the 2025-2026 school year during the annual budget vote on Tuesday, May 20. The proposal reflects a modest 0.49% increase in spending compared to the current year.
The tax levy is set to rise by 1.94%, well below the district’s allowable cap of 4.05%. Voting will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the Hugh C. Williams Learning Resource Center.
The budget includes the elimination of four instructional positions through attrition: a special education teacher, a secondary math teacher, an academic intervention services specialist, and a teaching assistant. Interim Superintendent Susan Todd cited declining enrollment as the reason for the reductions and said the changes will not affect class sizes or instructional quality.
Voters will also decide on the purchase of three 78-passenger school buses and one electric van, not to exceed $760,000, and a capital outlay project to replace Banford cafeteria floors.
Three Board of Education seats are up for election. Incumbents Rob Larrabee, Denise Sero, and Susan Toshack are running.
Massena Central
Massena Central School District residents will vote Tuesday, May 20, on a proposed $74.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The spending plan includes no increase to the tax levy, continuing a multi-year trend of 0% levy growth.
Superintendent Ron Burke said the district used projections from the governor’s proposal to craft the budget, despite delays in the state budget. The plan reflects a $2 million increase in spending over the current year, with $51.4 million coming from state and federal aid and $15.2 million from taxes. An additional $2.9 million from fund balance helps close the gap.
Foundation aid is projected to rise to $37.8 million, and if current estimates hold, the district expects a net gain of $2.5 million in additional aid. Major expenses include $30.3 million for salaries and $20.7 million for benefits. Key cost drivers include increases in health insurance, BOCES services, and special education staffing, including a school psychologist and speech pathologist. The budget also includes funding for a fifth bus and the Summer Raider Academy.
Ogdensburg City School District
OGDENSBURG — For the first time in six years, Ogdensburg City School District taxpayers may see a tax levy increase under the proposed 2025-2026 budget.
The Board of Education has adopted a $56,092,979 spending plan, up $831,774 from the current year. The proposal includes a 2.49% tax levy increase — about $263,899 — bringing the total levy to $10,862,259. If assessments hold steady, the tax rate would rise by roughly 50 cents, from $21.37 to $21.90 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Superintendent Kevin Kendall said the increase is necessary to maintain the district’s strong curriculum. No program cuts are expected, though some part-time positions will be reduced.
Two Board of Education seats are also up for election, with incumbents Liz Testani and Connor Sutton running unopposed.
Norwood-Norfolk Central
NORWOOD — Norwood-Norfolk Central School District voters will head to the polls Tuesday, May 20, to vote on a proposed $30,280,541 budget for the 2025-26 school year. The plan reflects a $1 million increase in spending but keeps the tax levy flat at $6,534,756, meaning no increase for local taxpayers.
Voters will also decide on a $565,000 transportation proposition to purchase three new vehicles and fill three Board of Education seats, each with a three-year term starting July 1.
Voting will take place from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the District Board Room.
Gouverneur Central
GOUVERNEUR — The Gouverneur Central School District proposed a $47.8 million budget for 2025-26, up $3.67 million from last year. The tax levy would rise 2.02%, adding $142,576 for a total of $7.2 million if approved.
Spending increases include one-time costs for debt reduction, repairs, and grants for two electric buses. New programs include summer enrichment, a girls wrestling team, expanded social-emotional support, and a cell-phone free policy.
No propositions are on the ballot. Four candidates run unopposed for three Board of Education seats. Voting is May 20, noon to 8 p.m., at Gouverneur High School Auditorium.
St. Lawrence Central
BRASHER — St. Lawrence Central School District voters will decide on a $31.7 million budget for 2025-26, a 0.45% spending increase, with a 3.25% tax levy rise—below the 4.5% state cap. This adds about $178,000 in local taxes, roughly $5.90 monthly for a $100,000 home before STAR exemptions. State aid covers 76% of revenue, with a projected 4.55% increase in foundation aid.
The budget adds staff, including a full-time Autism classroom teacher and aides, expands a Dean of Students to full-time, and adds curriculum and reading consultants. Voters will also consider buying three new buses and elect two Board of Education members. Voting is May 20, noon to 8 p.m.
Madrid-Waddington Central
MADRID — Madrid-Waddington Central School District voters will decide on a $21.5 million budget for 2025-26, a 2.44% spending increase totaling $511,311. The tax levy would rise 2.13%, adding about $104,884 in local taxes. No staff or program changes are planned.
Voters will also consider four propositions: approving the budget, electing two unopposed board members—Ryan Hayes and Christopher Pryce—authorizing the purchase of a 72-passenger bus and a 7-passenger van for up to $245,000, and approving a capital outlay project of $100,000 to replace windows in select classrooms and offices.
Voting is May 20 from 1 to 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium lobby.
Colton-Pierrepont Central
COLTON — Colton-Pierrepont Central School District voters will decide on a $14 million budget for 2025-26, an $868,599 increase over last year. The tax levy would rise 3.27%, adding $279,121, staying within the district’s tax cap and totaling $8.8 million.
Voters will also consider two propositions: establishing a new ten-year capital reserve fund up to $6 million for transportation, facilities, and technology improvements, and electing one Board of Education member. Incumbent Karen Peck is running for re-election.
Voting takes place Tuesday, May 20, from noon to 8 p.m. in the district auditorium lobby.
Parishville-Hopkinton Central
PARISHVILLE — Voters in the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School District will decide on a $13.6 million budget for 2025-26, a 2.4% spending increase with a 3.9% rise in the local tax levy, staying within the state tax cap.
With state aid remaining flat and delayed, the district faces revenue challenges, prompting staffing cuts including two teachers and other support positions. Non-academic BOCES services will also be reduced.
The budget includes purchasing two new school buses and possibly a maintenance truck, with the district covering 22% of costs thanks to state transportation aid.
Voting is Tuesday, May 20, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the school.
Hammond Central
HAMMOND — Hammond Central School District has proposed a $10.27 million budget for 2025-26, a $490,011 increase from last year.
The tax levy would rise 3.65%, adding $156,342 for a total of $4.44 million.
No staff cuts are planned; instead, student workers will assist in the fitness center and maintenance. The budget includes curriculum updates aligned with New York State Standards and expanded electives for grades 7-12.
Voters will also decide on propositions to purchase a 60-passenger bus, a school vehicle, and a truck with plow, plus a $15,000 tax for the Hammond Free Library.
One Board of Education seat is open.
Hermon-DeKalb Central
DEKALB JUNCTION — Hermon-DeKalb Central School District voters will decide on a $14.56 million budget for the 2025-26 school year on May 20. The plan increases spending by $140,907 and the tax levy by 1.72%, or $48,202, totaling $2.85 million.
No staff or program changes are planned.
Voters will also consider two propositions: purchasing two 65-passenger buses for up to $340,000 and creating a $2 million Capital Reserve Fund for future facility improvements.
Three Board of Education seats are up for election, with two five-year terms and one two-year term.
Voting is from 1 to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Lisbon Central
LISBON — Lisbon Central School proposes an $18.3 million budget for 2025-26, increasing spending by $368,246 from last year.
The tax levy would rise by about $100,895, a 2.5% increase, staying below the state tax cap. Administrative costs rose to $2.12 million, covering salaries, benefits, board expenses, and curriculum development.
Program costs increased to $13.78 million, funding staff salaries, materials, activities, and transportation.
Capital expenses dropped slightly to $2.44 million, linked to a previous capital outlay project. The district plans to use approximately $1.47 million from its fund balance to balance the budget.
Morristown Central
MORRISTOWN — The Morristown Central School District proposed a $11.7 million budget for 2025-26, a 1.66% increase from last year.
The tax levy is set to rise 2.38%, adding about $100,000 for a total of $4.3 million.
Voters will decide on the budget and elect three Board of Education members for three-year terms on May 20, from noon to 8 p.m.
A public budget hearing is scheduled for May 6 at 6 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted by May 13, with ballots due by May 20.
Edwards-Knox Central
HERMON — Voters in Edwards-Knox Central School District will decide on a $18.66 million budget for 2025-26, a 4.56% increase from last year. The tax levy rises 2.98%, adding $61,547, staying within the state tax cap. The budget maintains current staffing and programs despite rising costs. Voters will also consider two propositions: $395,355 for two new diesel school buses and the creation of a capital reserve fund for future equipment needs. One five-year Board of Education seat is up for election, with incumbent Jennifer Benson-Baxter facing Toni LaPoint. Voting is May 20, noon–8 p.m. at Edwards-Knox Central School.
Heuvelton Central
HEUVELTON — Voters in Heuvelton Central School District will vote Tuesday, May 20, on a proposed $19.2 million budget for 2025-26, a $997,685 increase from last year.
The district seeks a 2.95% tax levy increase—an additional $137,394—for a total of $4,031,342.
Cost savings were made through strategic attrition, including eliminating a vacant Director of Curriculum position and reducing custodial and Earth Science staff by 0.5 FTE each.
Voting runs from 1 to 8 p.m. in the HCS Poulton Auditorium.
Two Board of Education seats are also up for election.
Clifton-Fine Central
STAR LAKE — Voters in the Clifton-Fine Central School District will vote on May 20 on a proposed $12.1 million budget for 2025-26, a 3.89% increase from last year.
The tax levy would rise 2.85%, adding $126,894 for a total of $4.58 million.
The budget includes no staff or program changes. Voters will also consider purchasing one diesel bus and an electric bus, supported by a NYSERDA grant, plus creating a $3 million capital reserve for facility upgrades.
Six candidates are running for three Board of Education seats.
Voting runs noon to 8 p.m. at the school.
Harrisville Central
HARRISVILLE — Voters in the Harrisville Central School District will decide on a $11.53 million budget for 2025-26 on May 20. The plan reflects a 2.06% spending decrease, mainly from enrollment declines and health insurance savings. The tax levy would increase 3.95%, surpassing the state cap, requiring a 60% supermajority to pass. The budget reduces five staff positions through attrition. Voters will also weigh a $339,998 bus purchase and a $20,000 tax increase for the Harrisville Free Library. Polls are open 1–8 p.m. May 20 at the school library.
Salmon River Central
FORT COVINGTON — Salmon River Central School District residents will vote on a $41,444,974 budget for the 2025-26 school year on Tuesday, May 20.
The proposal increases spending by $2.77 million (7.17%) and includes a 2% tax levy increase, staying within the state’s tax cap and requiring a simple majority for approval. Polls will be open noon to 8 p.m. in the school board room at 637 County Road 1.
The budget expands academic intervention and special education staffing, maintaining all current programs. Also on the ballot are a $650,000 vehicle purchase proposition, reimbursed 90% by the state, and a $47 million capital improvement project with no new local tax impact.
Voters will elect three board members for terms ranging from two to five years.

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