Respect – Relationships
Relevance – Resilience
2025-26 District Budget Vote Information
PDF Printable Version – 2025-26 Budget Newsletter
More 2025-26 Budget Details/Required Documents
BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
- Monday, May 12, 2025
- 7:30 p.m.
- SSCS Library
SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE AND SCHOOL BOARD SEAT ELECTION
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Noon – 9 p.m.
- SSCS Auditorium Atrium
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION
Qualified voters who would like to request an absentee ballot may download and/or print the School District Absentee Ballot Application BELOW (for School District Elections, Budget Votes and Referenda) and returned to the District Clerk not later than 7 days before the election for which the absentee ballot is sought.
Absentee Ballot Application – PDF Printable Version
EARLY MAIL BALLOT APPLICATION
Qualified voters are authorized to request a New York State School District Early Mail Ballot Application (for School District Elections, Budget Votes and Referenda) for any school election at which early vote by mail is authorized by law. The application BELOW must be received by the District Clerk not later than 7 days before the election for which the early mail ballot is sought.
Early Mail Budget Application – PDF Printable Version
PRINCIPAL’S BUDGET MESSAGE
Dear Sharon Springs Community,
In this edition of Education Matters, you will find a detailed summary of the proposed 2025-2026 school budget as well as important information about our upcoming school board election. The Annual Budget Hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the SSCS Library, and the Budget Vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. in the Auditorium Atrium. This year, Mrs. Sofia Issa is running unopposed for the five-year seat on the Board of Education, and we look forward to her continued, dedicated service to our students and our school community.
If approved by voters, the district’s total budget for the 2025-2026 school year will be $11,481,111, representing a tax levy increase of 3 percent. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar is invested to maximize learning opportunities and student outcomes. Our goal is always to balance the financial realities facing our community with our shared vision of educational excellence.
Budget Priorities and Educational Programs
True to our mission, we continue to prioritize a robust core academic program that lays the foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, we are dedicated to maintaining a broad array of meaningful electives and engaging extracurricular activities – hallmarks of the Sharon Springs experience. This proposed budget reflects our continued investment in:
- Strong core academics and literacy at every level;
- Enriching electives and advanced coursework;
- Field trips, clubs, and extracurriculars that build character, confidence, and community;
- Student leadership programs, including FBLA and FFA, that develop critical life skills;
- A solid athletics program that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, wellness, and school spirit.
We are also proud to support students seeking vocational training and hands-on learning through BOCES programs. Through strategic partnerships with SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Morrisville, and Siena College, SSCS offers nine College in the High School courses – providing students the opportunity to earn college credits and experience rigorous academic challenges right here in Sharon Springs.
Collaboration and Stewardship
Our commitment to fiscal stewardship means continually seeking innovative ways to stretch every dollar. SSCS will continue to explore and expand collaborations with neighboring districts, including:
- Shared transportation and special education services;
- Regional professional development for staff;
- Summer school and interscholastic sports partnerships;
- Collective purchasing and health insurance programs.
These efforts help us preserve and enhance programs for students while keeping costs manageable for taxpayers.
Community Appreciation and Looking Ahead
As always, we are immensely grateful for the unwavering support you provide to our small school with a big heart. Your partnership and generosity have created an environment where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. The unique spirit of Sharon Springs- rooted in community pride and mutual care – continues to set our district apart.
Our success is a reflection of your investment in our children and in our future. As we look ahead, we remain committed to working together – students, staff, families, and community – to ensure every SSCS student has the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and prepare for success beyond graduation.
Voting Information
Please remember to vote on the annual school budget and board seat on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between noon and 9:00 p.m. in the Auditorium Atrium area. If you have any questions regarding absentee or early mail voting, please contact our District Secretary, Mrs. Lorelyn Webb. Voting applications and additional information are also available on this website. Download Above
On behalf of our Board of Education, faculty, and staff, thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we are shaping the future of Sharon Springs.
Sincerely,
Thomas Yorke
Superintendent/K-12 Building Principal
ZERO TAX IMPACT PROJECT
Dear SSCS Community,
As your Superintendent, I am always mindful of our dual responsibility: to maintain and improve our facilities for the benefit of our students and community while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Today, I am excited to share news about two important projects that aim to achieve just that – significant upgrades to our facilities with zero additional tax impact.
At Sharon Springs Central School, we are proposing a carefully coordinated effort that will include two interconnected initiatives: an Energy Performance Project and a Capital Improvements Project. These projects have been strategically planned to dovetail into one another, maximizing both financial and operational efficiency for our District.
Highlights of the Proposed Work:
Improved Access to the Weight Training Area: We will redesign access to the District’s Weight Training area, allowing after-hours use by the public while maintaining the security and integrity of the rest of the building.
LED Lighting Upgrades: All District buildings will see a comprehensive upgrade to energy-efficient LED fixtures, with enhanced dimming controls installed in key locations.
HVAC Control Improvements: Our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be enhanced for better efficiency, comfort, and long-term energy savings.
Energy-Saving Measures: Across our campus, we will implement multiple upgrades to infrastructure systems aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Sewage and Ventilation Improvements: We will reconstruct the sewage ejection pump and improve ventilation systems in the Auditorium Wing to ensure safe and reliable building operations.
Playground Resurfacing: Our playground surface will be renewed, improving safety and play conditions for our youngest students.
Facade and Staircase Reconstruction: We will restore the facade and main staircase at our original historic building, preserving the structure while improving safety and accessibility.
Pavement Expansion at the Bus Garage/Soccer Field: To accommodate transportation and community needs, pavement will be expanded in key areas.
Addressing Building Condition Survey Items: As required by state regulations, we are proactively addressing the maintenance needs outlined in our 2024 Building Condition Survey.
General Infrastructure Upgrades: A variety of smaller, yet critical, updates across District buildings will help ensure the long-term health and functionality of our facilities.
Why Is This a Good Idea?
Thanks to the structure of the Energy Performance Contract (a state-supported program) and careful planning of the Capital Outlay Project, all of these improvements will be completed with no additional tax burden to our local taxpayers. In fact, the energy savings generated from the improve-ments will help fund the debt payments on the work, while enhancing the learning environment for our students and the working environment for our staff.
We are proud to bring forward a plan that supports our long-term infrastructure needs, improves energy efficiency, enhances safety and security, and benefits both our students and our broader community – all without increasing taxes.
We will be holding an informational session at an upcoming Board of Education to provide more details, answer questions, and continue the trans-parent dialogue that is a hallmark of our Sharon Springs community.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work to build a stronger future for our students, staff, and the entire SSCS family.
Sincerely,
Thomas Yorke
Superintendent of Schools
