Developing the annual school budget proposal is a year-round process that involves the Fonda-Fultonville Board of Education, as well as district and school leaders.
On the third Tuesday of each May, that process culminates when residents go to the polls to vote on a school budget proposal for the following year and to elect Board of Education members. In addition, Fonda-Fultonville CSD residents typically vote on a Frothingham Free Public Library proposition. Under state education law, funding for libraries is collected by the school district and then forwarded to the respective libraries.
For the 2025-26 budget process, the district will share budget workshop presentations, along with additional communications, to keep community residents up-to-date on budget items for this year’s vote. Below are budget items to review as we approach the 2026-27 school budget vote on Tuesday, May 19.
News & Updates
Board of Education adopts budget proposal for 2026-27 school year
On Thursday, April 23, the Fonda Fultonville Board of Education approved the proposed $37,430,408 school budget for the 2026-27 school year. The proposed budget includes a 1.70% tax levy increase, which stays below the district’s assigned tax levy “cap” of 2.08%. Budget approval requires a simple majority of votes (50% plus one).
Under the proposal, spending would increase by 3.58% from the current year, driven primarily by rising healthcare and transportation costs. Additionally, state aid funding comes in slightly above last year’s figures with a 1% increase for the upcoming school year. Next year’s budget includes additional employee-based training programs for educational and professional development, a special education teacher in the elementary building, and a teacher assistant at the middle school. The budget also includes funding to add a full-time senior custodian to support district operations.
The 2026-27 proposed budget will also include a capital outlay project to provide enhanced security at public entryways in the district. A capital outlay allows the district to receive state aid for a project that maintains a long-term asset, such as the school campus.
In addition to the proposed budget, residents will also vote to lease one bus, purchase one bus with reserves, and elect two members to the Board of Education. Residents will also vote on a $150,000 proposition for the Frothingham Free Public Library in Fonda, NY.
Budget Vote & Location
Budget Vote: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Location: Auditorium Lobby (F-F High School)
VOTER ELIGIBILITY
All voters must be U.S. citizens, age 18 or older, and residents of the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Advanced registration is NOT required. You may be asked to show proof of residency (such as a valid ID that lists your address) when voting.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS and EARLY VOTING
Absentee ballots are available for residents who are unable to come to the polls if they are out of town, incarcerated, or because of health concerns, including but not limited to illness, disability, or hospitalization. Absentee voters must first complete an application. To receive an application, contact District Clerk Lori Maves at 518-853-4415 ext. 4230. If you want the ballot mailed, the application must be received no later than May 12. Completed ballots must be received by the district by mail or drop-off no later than 5 p.m. on May 19. Early Mail Ballots are available to any registered voter for any reason. Applications for early mail ballots are available during school business hours from the District Clerk; completed applications must be received by the District Clerk by May 12 if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 19.
BOARD ELECTION
Elect two members of the Board of Education: one individual to a three-year term commencing on July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029, to succeed Brooke Cuddy whose term expires on June 30, 2026; and one individual to a three-year term commencing on May 20, 2026, or as soon thereafter as the individual may be sworn in, and expiring June 30, 2029, to succeed Matt Sullivan who was appointed by the Board of Education to temporarily fill the vacancy left by the resignation of John Wiltey.
The candidates are:
- Brooke Cuddy (incumbent)
2025-26 Budget Snapshot
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Total Budget: $36,137,055
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Total Budget Change from 2024-25: $2,062,345 / 6.05%
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Tax Levy Change from 2024-25: $314,713 / 2.71%
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Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 2.92%
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Use of Reserves/Fund Balance: $1,925,000
2023-24 Budget Snapshot
- Total Budget: $33,232,572
- Total Budget Change from 2022-23: $1,270,779 or 3.98%
- Tax Levy Change from 2022-23: $277,125 or 2.5%
- Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 3.34%
- Use of Reserves/Fund Balance: $1,140,295
2022-23 Budget Snapshot
- Total Budget: $31,962,793
- Total Budget Change from 2021-22: $1,17,875 or 3.62%
- Tax Levy Change from 2021-22: $206,687 or 1.9%
- Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 2.61%
- Use of Reserves/Fund Balance: $1,270,884
2021-22 Budget Snapshot
- Total Budget: $30,844,918
- Total Budget Change from 2020-21: $997,207 or 3.34%
- Tax Levy Change from 2019-20: $15,894 or 0.15%
- Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 0.15%
- Use of Reserves/Fund Balance: $1,060,905
Tax Information
Check the status of your tax bill online
The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Tax Bills are online if you’d like to check to see if your school tax bill is paid. Please note that paid information is on a time-delay and is provided for your convenience only.
This link will take you to the Montgomery County Tax Bill Search and View page. When on this page, click on the drop down arrow for school selection list and click on “Fonda/Fultonville School District-Original and Updated Information Available.” Enter your search information in any of the categories listed and click on the “Submit” button. The listing of school tax bills will appear according to your search criteria. Click on the tax bill number of the school tax bill you would like to view. To print the viewed tax bill, right click and select print.