Your 2025 Voter Guide to Monroe County school board elections and budgets

School board elections and district budget votes are happening on Tuesday, May 20 — and if there’s any lesson from last year, it’s that no outcome is guaranteed.

With the lowest voter turnout in half a decade, Rush-Henrietta school district’s budget was initially struck down by 15 votes last year. Then in a special vote, more than twice as many people showed up to weigh in on a revised budget — which passed overwhelmingly.

“You're very privileged to have public education, everything that encompasses public education. Here regionally, we are very fortunate in this community,” said Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association. “If budgets start going down, programming gets cut. And what does that do for this community, your property value, and future generations?"

This is the first local school voting cycle since the Trump administration gutted staffing at the Department of Education and moved to cut federal funds for mental health support and other public school programs.

With greater financial uncertainty for public schools this year, it’s even more crucial for people to show up and vote on their district’s budget, Thomas said.

“You're literally feeding our next generations of doctors, lawyers, manufacturers, whoever it may be. We're, feeding this next generation of individuals by offering, I would say, some of the best public education resources,” Thomas said. “By not voting for your school budgets, that's just a disservice to our communities.”

Voters will also have the opportunity to elect school board candidates, whose platforms and priorities have been shared in candidate bios and during Meet the Candidate Night events, many of which are recorded by the district and posted on their websites.

Those events have a special community element, Thomas said, because questions are often coming directly from people in the community who have a vested interest.

"What I see coming in from the community are really important questions to ask of anyone who's interested in becoming a school board member,” she said. “And I think by seeing someone respond to a question, it's pretty clear what their intentions are for running for a board seat.”

The New York State School Boards Association calls boards of education a “uniquely American institution” that ensure public schools are flexible and responsive to the needs of the community.

A breakdown of board races and what’s on the ballot for area districts, including any capital propositions, follows.

In the Brighton Central School District, three candidates are running for two open seats. They are Vinod Bajaj, Karen Hatch (incumbent), and Clayton Jones. Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Brighton's proposed budget total: $110.6 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 5.5% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $28.46 for Brighton properties, $29.46 for Pittsford properties 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2%.   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 

When and where to vote: 7a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 at the Central Administration Building, 2035 Monroe Ave.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Brighton school district's website.

In the Brockport Central School District, there is one candidate running for one school board seat, which carries a five-year term. He is David Howlett, the board's current vice president.

• Brockport's proposed budget total: $102.5 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 5.8% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $17.07 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 1.8%.   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two: 
  
  • One would establish a $7.9 million bus purchase capital reserve fund to buy replacement buses as they are needed in future years. 
  • The other would establish a $19.7 million capital reserve fund for future construction projects. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 20 at the Technology and Training Center, 40 Allen St., Building 800

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Brockport school district’s website.

In the Churchville-Chili Central School District there are five candidates for three school board seats. They are Thomas Albano (incumbent), Kathleen Dillon (incumbent), Steve Hogan (incumbent), Jason Marsherall, and Matthew Smeltzer. Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Churchville-Chili's proposed budget total: $108.9 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 5.4% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $14.70 for Chili properties, $14.56 for Ogden properties, $14.41 for Riga properties, $15.71 for Sweden properties
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3.3%
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there is one. It would authorize the district to buy 10 electric school buses and related equipment at a cost not to exceed $3 million. That figure takes into account New York Bus Incentive Program funding. 

When and where to vote: noon to 9 p.m. on May 20 at the Middle School North Cafeteria,139 Fairbanks Road

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Churchville-Chili school district's website.

In the East Irondequoit Central School District there are four candidates for three school board seats. They are Shanie Keelean, Jessica Krupa (incumbent), Kimberly Lasher (incumbent), and Jeffrey Petrie (incumbent). Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• East Irondequoit's proposed budget total: $102.2 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 2.1% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: The district does not project the tax rate. 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.9%.  
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 at Eastridge High School, 2350 E. Ridge Road

Early and absentee voting information is available on the East Irondequoit school district's website.

In the East Rochester Union Free School District, Vincent Antonicelli, the board's current vice president, is the sole candidate for one school board seat carrying a three-year term.

• East Rochester's proposed budget total: $32.5 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 1.1% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $28.84 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.2%.   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would establish a $2 million capital reserve fund to offset the costs of instructional technology initiatives. 
  • The other would authorize a transfer of $70,000 from the district's liability reserve fund to its general fund. 

When and where to vote: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 at the district's Multipurpose Room, 222 Woodbine Ave.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the East Rochester school district's website.

In the Fairport Central School District there are two candidates for two school board seats. They are Brian Moritz and Janice Fortuna, both of whom are incumbents. Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Fairport's proposed budget total: $165.4 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 3.5% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $26.01 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there is a proposition to spend up to $206,000 from an existing bus reserve fund to buy a school bus.  

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on May 20 at Johanna Perrin Middle School, 85 Potter Place.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Fairport school district's website.

In the Gates Chili district, there are four candidates for three school board seats. They are Jahmar Elliott, Andrea Minchella, Christine Brown Richards, and Tanya Srbinovski (incumbent). Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Gates Chili’s proposed budget total: $139.8 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 4.9% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: Due to an ongoing reassessment in Gates, the district is not projecting a tax rate. 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.4%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize buying school buses for up to $2.3 million. About 75% of the total cost is expected to be reimbursed by the state. 
  • The other would create a capital reserve fund for up to $12 million to go toward buying school buses in the future. The fund would have a 10-year lifespan. 

  When and where to vote: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way, Gates

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Gates Chili Central School District’s website.

In the Greece Central School District there are six candidates for three school board seats. They are Mark Buonaugurio (incumbent), Annamaria Falzarano, Megan Ferra (incumbent), Jenne LaPlaca, Monica Seaman, and Shaunna Smith. Those elected will serve a three-year term.

• Greece's proposed budget total: $318.5 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 3.5% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: The Greece school district no longer projects the tax rate. 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.1%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize buying 35 gas/diesel school buses for up to $5.6 million, using $1.9 million from a bus purchase reserve fund and a five-year financing plan. 
  • The other would establish a 15-year capital reserve fund for future construction and renovation projects capped at $50 million. Spending from the fund would require school board and voter approval. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 at Greece Central’s Transportation and Support Services Facility, 1790 Latta Road.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Greece school district’s website.

In the Hilton Central School District, there are three candidates running for three school board seats. They are Amanda Deidrich, Mark Hilburger (incumbent), and Nancy Pickering (incumbent). Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Hilton's proposed budget total: $105.2 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 3.7% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $16.08 for Clarkson properties, $22.14 for Greece properties, $13.51 for Hamlin properties, and $13.78 for Parma properties 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 1.8% 
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would approve the purchase of 11 diesel buses at a maximum cost of $1.8 million. 
  • The other would approve the purchase of one electric bus at a maximum cost of $475,000. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Parma Town Hall, 1300 Hilton Parma Corners Road

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Hilton school district’s website.

In the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District, there are five candidates running for four school board seats. They are Daniel Bassette, David Francis (incumbent), Joel Robinson (incumbent), Stephanie Templeton (incumbent), and David Youngblut (incumbent). The three candidates with the highest number of votes will serve three year terms, the candidate with the fourth highest number of votes will serve a one year term.

• Honeyoye Falls-Lima's proposed budget total: $64. 7 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 6% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $27.17 for Mendon properties, $18.31 for Henrietta properties, $18.31 for Rush properties, $19.98 for Lima properties, $19.77 for Avon properties, $20.68 for Livonia properties, $22.21 for West Bloomfield properties, $26.46 for Victor properties, and $22.49 for Richmond properties. 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3% 
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:  
  
  • One would provide for the purchase and financing of vehicles for student transportation in an amount not to exceed $1.1 million. 
  • The other would approve the formation of a $15 million transportation capital reserve with a probable term of 20 years. 

When and where to vote: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Honeoye Falls-Lima High School Lobby, 83 East Street, Honeoye Falls

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Honeyoye Falls-Lima school district's website.

In the Penfield Central School District, there are six candidates running for three school board seats. They are James Ashby, Nate Chenenko, Susan Gilbert-Collins, Sarah Pace, Emily Roberts (incumbent), and Scott Wilson. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will serve three-year terms and the candidate with the third highest number of votes will serve a two-year term.

• Penfield's proposed budget total: $128.6 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 7.5 % 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $21.34 for Penfield properties, $28.08 for Perinton properties, $28.07 for Pittsford properties, $27.13 for Brighton properties, $21.36 for Macedon properties, $23.51 for Walworth properties 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3.3%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: One would authorize the purchase of 11 buses for $3.5 million, with some of the money coming from the district's 2024 capital reserve for buses 

When and where to vote: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Penfield High School Gym, 25 High School Dr.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Penfield school district’s website.

In the Pittsford Central School District, three candidates are running for two school board seats. They are David Berk (incumbent), Emily Kay (incumbent), and Laura Schulitz. Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• Pittsford's proposed budget total: $168.2 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 4% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: The district did not provide a projected tax rate. 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.3%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize withdrawing $2.4 million from a reserve fund to purchase buses. 
  • The other would authorize withdrawing no more than $500,000 from an instructional technology reserve fund. 

When and where to vote: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Calkins Road Middle School, 1899 Calkins Road.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Pittsford school district's website.

In the Rush-Henrietta Central School District there are two candidates for two school board seats, each with three-year terms. They are Mai Abdullah and Suzanne Bennett, both of whom are incumbents.

• Rush-Henrietta's proposed budget total: $179.1 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 5.2% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $14.68 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 4.2%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize the district to spend $4.6 million from several funds to buy new buses. 
  • The other would authorize the district to establish a $25 million reserve fund for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, and equipping of school buildings, and for facilities and site improvements. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rush-Henrietta Transportation Center, 1133 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Rush-Henrietta school district's website.

In the Spencerport Central School District there are two candidates for two school board seats that have three-year terms. They are Leah Brown and Megan Sarkis, both of whom are incumbents.

• Spencerport's proposed budget total: $102.5 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 5.1% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $15.37 in Ogden, $15.22 in Gates, $24.95 in Greece, and $15.53 in Parma 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3% 
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there is one. It would authorize buying up to two electric buses using reserve funds in an amount not to exceed $500,000. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the District Office Building, 71 Lyell Ave.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Spencerport school district’s website.

In the Victor Central School District there are three candidates for three school board seats. They are Timothy DeLucia, Lisa Kostecki, and Elizabeth Mitchell, all of whom are incumbents.

• Victor's proposed budget total: $109.8 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 6.3% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $13.06 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there is one. It would authorize spending $1.5 million to buy "various school buses for use by the district." 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Victor Early Childhood School, 953 High St.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Victor school district's website.

In the West Irondequoit Central School District there are three candidates for two school board seats. They are Gary Adams, Melissa Bohrer (incumbent), and Matt Sullivan (incumbent). Those elected will serve three-year terms.

• West Irondequoit's proposed budget total: $100.6 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 7.3% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $21.89 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.7%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize spending up to $1.6 million for a new roof, HVAC rooftop unit, and boiler at Briarwood Elementary School. 
  • The other would authorize the district to establish a $20 million capital reserve to be used over 10 years. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Paul Boulevard Fire Department, 433 Cooper Road.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the West Irondequoit school district’s website.

In the Webster Central School District there are three candidates for three school board seats, each of which has a three-year term. They are Carole Barnabas, Linda Dioguardi, and David Metzger, all of whom are incumbents.

• Webster's proposed budget total: $220.3 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 4.4% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $18.29 in Penfield, $28.57 in Webster, $19.27 in Ontario, and $19.82 in Walworth 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 3.2%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes 
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorize spending $1.8 million to buy 10 66-passenger buses, which would be financed over a five-year period. State aid would also be used toward buying the buses. 
  • The other would authorize spending $525,000 for one 66-passenger electric bus. It will be financed over eight years and state aid would also be used toward its purchase. 

When and where to vote: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Webster school district's website.

In the Wheatland-Chili Central School District there are two candidates for two seats, each of which has a three-year term. They are Gregory Berl and Adria Callery, both of whom are incumbents.

• Wheatland-Chili's proposed budget total: $23.6 million 
• Proposed budget increase: 3.6% 
• Projected average tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $17.89 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 2.3%   
• Is the levy below the tax cap: Yes
• Propositions: In addition to the budget proposition, there are two:   
  
  • One would authorized the district to withdraw and spend up to $295,000 from a bus and grounds equipment capital reserve fund to buy one 30-passenger wheelchair bus and one 35-passenger bus. 
  • The other would establish a $1.8 million capital reserve fund for the purchase of student transportation vehicles and other equipment. 

When and where to vote: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Wheatland-Chili Middle/High School gym, 940 North Road.

Early and absentee voting information is available on the Wheatland-Chili school district’s website.