As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school budget vote, we would like to share important information about the proposed budget, voting details, and what will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. District residents can learn more about the budget development process, review presentations, and access supporting materials on our website by clicking here.

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: RCS High School – Main Gym

Access: Use the Route 101 entrance, located at the rear of the Middle School/High School campus. Signs on campus will guide voters to the appropriate parking area.

Important Traffic Notice:

For safety reasons, voters will not be permitted to drive through the center of the campus during school drop-off (7:00–7:45 a.m.) and dismissal (1:45–3:00 p.m.). During these times, all voter access must be via the Route 101 entrance.

If you’re voting and also dropping off or picking up your student during these hours, please use the back campus entrance from Route 101.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, residents of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District will vote on a proposed $58,224,892 budget for the 2026–27 school year.

Following several months of careful review of academic programs, emerging opportunities, and district-wide priorities, the RCS Board of Education unanimously adopted the proposed budget at their April 15, 2026, meeting. The plan reflects a spending increase of $1,265,444, or 2.17%, and would result in an estimated tax rate increase of 1.14%. Because the proposal does not exceed the tax levy limit, it requires only a simple majority for approval, meaning 50% plus one vote.

This budget is the result of a deliberate, months-long process focused on responsible investment in our students. We arrived at a plan that protects what matters most while honoring our obligation to taxpayers. That means preserving a well-rounded educational experience for every student and making difficult structural decisions while preserving the people in our workforce. Read the full budget newsletter here.

There will be three propositions that will appear on this year's ballot.

Watch this brief video to hear the Superintendent explain Propositions 1 and 2 and what each includes.

Proposition No. 1: Core Infrastructure Improvements ($16.4 million)  

This phase addresses critical facility needs identified through the State-required Building Conditions Survey. These improvements are essential to ensure our schools remain safe, operational, and efficient for students and staff.

Proposition 1 has been carefully structured to avoid increasing the tax levy. The district has proactively built a Capital Reserve Fund, approved by voters specifically for capital improvements.

Proposition No. 2: Classroom Cooling Enhancements ($1.3 million)

In response to Board of Education feedback and increasing concerns about classroom temperatures during warmer months, this phase focuses on improving learning conditions.

This proposition will appear on the ballot separately, allowing voters to decide on these classroom cooling improvements independently of the main project. While Proposition 1 is tax-neutral, approval of Proposition 2 will result in a modest increase to the annual tax levy. Approval will authorize the district to proceed with these enhancements; if not approved, the cooling upgrades will not be completed at this time.

Bus Proposition: Shall the District authorize the purchase of four school buses, three (3) 42-passenger diesel buses and one (1) 30-passenger gasoline bus at a cost not to exceed $662,847?

Residents will vote to fill three seats on the Board of Education. Candidates will be elected to three-year terms to begin July 1. Board of Education candidates are listed on the ballot in order based on a random selection process as dictated by law. They are listed in the order in which they were drawn.

View a complete list of candidates and full candidate profiles at https://www.rcscsd.org/page/budget-development.

An absentee ballot application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or not later than the day before the election if it is delivered in person. An absentee voter’s ballot will not be counted unless it is received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 pm on the day of the election.

Please note: The RCS District Office will have an Absentee Box drop-off located at the back of the building. For questions, please contact the District Clerk at sstarr@rcscsd.org.

On Tuesday, May 19, the Middle and High Schools will showcase and celebrate the talents of our students through a variety of special events.

At the High School, the National Art Honor Society Induction Ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. The High School Art Show will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the front lobby.

At the Middle School, the Art Show and Science Fair will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8:00 p.m.

While on campus, don’t forget to stop by the High School Main Gym to participate in the Annual School Budget Vote.

https://www.rcscsd.org/

RCS Communications