New Rockland Central School District’s $32M Budget Proposal Unveiled

The Rockland Central School District Board of Education has approved a $32 million budget proposal for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The budget will be up for a vote by district residents on May 20.

The proposed budget reflects a 2.89% increase over the combined 2024-25 budgets of the former Livingston Manor and Roscoe central school districts, which merged to form the Rockland Central School District in December. The budget includes a tax levy of $14,955,556, which represents a decrease of $843,687, or -5.34%, from the combined tax levies of the two previous districts.

According to the district, the budget proposal builds on existing programs and expands programming for all grade levels. This includes over 40 new electives for middle and high school students, some with potential for college credit; two transitional classrooms; expanded PK-6 academic intervention services in math and English Language Arts; a more robust daily specials rotation at the elementary level; and expanded extracurricular clubs and activities for all students.

The district plans to utilize state incentive aid, fund balance, and reserves to offset a portion of the budget increase and decrease the tax levy. The estimated true tax rate for 2025-26 would be $9.50 per $1,000, based on current assessed values and equalization rates.

Superintendent John Evans stated, “We believe this proposal provides our students with the expanded educational opportunities and the fiscal responsibility proposed in the merger studies.”

Voters will also be asked to approve a $30 million buildings and facilities capital reserve fund over 15 years.

Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Livingston Manor and Roscoe school gymnasiums. Residents will vote in their former school districts: Livingston Manor and Roscoe. Call District Clerk Marlyn Peters at 845-439-4400, ext. 1201 to confirm your polling site.

A public hearing on the budget proposal will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in the Roscoe auditorium. Qualified voters can request an early voting or absentee ballot application by contacting District Clerk Marlyn Peters at Marlyn.Peters@lmcs.us or 845-439-4400, ext 1201.

Image: The new Rockland Central School District was formed following the voters’ approval of the merger of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe central school districts in December. (Credit: Fred Stabbert/Sullivan County Democrat)