About 20 residents attended the annual public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget for the Rockland Central School District in the Rockland Middle/High School auditorium.

Interim Business Official Kathryn Blackman provided details on the proposed $33,974,076 budget, which increases spending $1,839,096, or 5.72%, and carries a tax levy of $15,625,135—an increase of $669,579, or 4.48%, which is at the tax levy limit.

Members of the public asked numerous questions about the budget, including one seeking clarification on the tax levy limit. Mrs. Blackman explained that the “tax cap,” often referenced to be a 2% limit, is variable. The tax cap is an eight-step calculation prescribed by the Office of the State Comptroller. The allowable growth factor for 2026-27 is 2%; however, other items such as assessment changes, payments in lieu of taxes, changes in the local share of capital projects, and available carryover are taken into consideration within the tax cap formula. When all of these factors are accounted for, the permitted tax levy limit (or cap) is 4.48% for 2026-27. 

District Clerk Marlyn Peters also introduced the candidates running for the school board: Jill Smith, Chris Tuleweit, Amy LeRoy, Ashley Hoag-Irwin, Nicole Park, Melissa Hess, Tom Ward, Alys Mann and Kim Sheldon. Several of the candidates made short statements during the meeting. A candidates night, hosted by the Rockland Teacher Association, will take place at 6 p.m. today, May 6, in the Rockland MS/HS auditorium in Livingston Manor. The top two vote-getters during the May 19 election will serve three-year terms, with the third-most vote-getter serving a two-year term, all starting July 1, 2026.

The budget vote and election will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, in the Rockland MS/HS gymnasium at 19 School St. in Livingston Manor and Rockland Elementary gymnasium at 6 Academy St. in Rockland.

Mrs. Blackman’s presentation can be found on the district website, as can a recording of the public hearing. More information on the budget can be found on the district’s budget page. A newsletter is being sent home to all residents in the Rockland District. If you do not receive one, please contact Mrs. Peters at marlyn.peters@rcsd.us or 845-439-1500, ext 7201. The full budget proposal can be viewed at either school building, or at the Livingston Manor-Roscoe Public Library branches at 92 Main St. in, Livingston Manor or 85 Highland Ave. Roscoe.