[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6564813,"mediaKeyId","3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236","parentId",3253778,"title","Middletown trustees present 2025–26 budget with 1.99% tax levy; three propositions set for May 20 vote","audioSeconds",345,"startMs",738000,"endMs",1083000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236&start=738&end=1083","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236/thumbnail_738000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564813/New-York/Middletown-trustees-present-202526-budget-with-199-tax-levy-three-propositions-set-for-May-20-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564813-e9f42ef537eef8acd255beeda3bd4383/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940701&Signature=MH4EHRlD1f9Y8QUG8vgJCIX-woE9P178Nm5nzn8EAaLPbVZUHkJKk2vLhMxZ3ovf0G58EmDAJe1YoYizvHH3j4xk9AUjmm6SD6mXwdFX0ZdWIKp6pXeErfs1E3RUmnMqhxniORiW99gSycKseno5VyIRp2Wl-syPHOTVLdRuPYZPSV8lKOHsyofWwKobleVWtEHU3gGqNSM1VkP8~SVlbNZ9764p6byd5KueJIdVISUPgnRV0D38ko-dxSdJjJFecx1NwJOQakJSUgaP~kPOatHixMEcVFMGP2v86XcUVVIFZ43g662~rpq9E1KONzgdQYmyFIOfCCXVrGjD1wEzIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-05-09T02:07:46.483Z","article","The Enlarged City School District of Middletown on May 8 presented a proposed 2025–26 spending plan that the district says increases total spending by $13.7 million, or about 5.23% over the prior year, while keeping the local tax levy increase to 1.99.

Superintendent Rachel Creedon and Assistant Superintendent for Business Mike Tuttle led the budget presentation during a legally required public hearing. The administration said the proposed budget accommodates contractual obligations and inflation while avoiding cuts to programs or staff.

The board has placed three propositions on the May 20 ballot: the district budget (Proposition 1); a 20-year, $20 million capital reserve (Proposition 2); and a $45 million district-wide health, safety and well-being renovations and alterations plan (Proposition 3). All three were adopted by the board to go before voters.

Why it matters: Keeping the levy at 1.99% keeps the district under New York’s commonly cited 2% local levy cap benchmark and lowers the voter approval threshold for a successful local budget vote to a simple majority (50% plus one). Administrators noted that if a budget fails and the district must adopt a contingent budget, spending would be limited to the prior year’s contingency levels and new equipment purchases (except for health and safety) would be restricted.

Key details presented:
- Proposed overall increase: $13,700,000 (about 5.23% over last year).
- Adopted local tax levy increase: 1.99% (presenters said this represents roughly $1.4 million in additional levy revenue).
- Propositions on the ballot: budget; $20 million 20-year capital reserve; $45 million health, safety and well-being renovations. These measures were described by district staff as having been reviewed in prior budget presentations.

Board President Ed Estrada highlighted the administration’s work to limit the levy while preserving programs, saying, “No cut to programs, no cut to staff.” Mr. Tuttle walked the board and the public through how contingent budget rules and voter thresholds operate and explained options if the vote fails.

During the board discussion several trustees praised the administration and Mr. Tuttle for reducing the original proposal (the presenters said they reduced the budget by roughly $700,000 to reach the 1.99 levy), and reiterated that the district did not tap reserves or the unappropriated fund balance in this proposal.

Public comment: The district opened the hearing for public questions; no members of the public spoke during the hearing portion. The board then formally adjourned the public hearing and continued to its regular meeting.

What’s next: The district’s budget vote and election for three open board seats are scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. The district website and the board clerk’s office list voting locations and guidance for voters.

For more information, the district listed budgetecsdm@ecsdm.org as a contact for questions about the budget.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Middletown City School Board Meeting 5-8-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Enlarged City School District of Middletown on May 8 presented a proposed 2025–26 spending plan that increases overall spending by $13.7 million (about 5.23%) while keeping the local tax levy increase to 1.99% and placing three propositions on the May 20 ballot.","taxTitle","MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38804,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564800,"Votes at a glance: Board approves routine personnel, financial and settlement items (May 8, 2025)",134,1802000,1936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236&start=1802&end=1936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236/thumbnail_1802000.jpg","/articles/6564800/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-approves-routine-personnel-financial-and-settlement-items-May-8-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564800-eab875d90707765e3ca9d1d1bae12979/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940701&Signature=AYxo6WyHgbDWLmVlYOJ3Q3fM2Rta2TPKAscWUyk2arc8u~7M1LS04Yy6WVCXt3n0gelniC76w1xwrk44VseMDKJTGAoLx~rVjY7qKV3OmDbEFTvUm6VxTqav~vXnNvqLXfiMz0NidlSkRhP~wtQ6cg5allv-WOTgHiySps~cUQv7YS663YsfTpb-DJw1lsG6tvQQoTDq-tu7uAqgKEQ~uxQQCIobdxVVe6FakiN1q2a~JxCwiD3Jgn7nVmrkzDaJdWTwa9URqaNB-2NxBL5LC57YfV3gWYM0bQBZnjJoKTtJok1n80ev8IpLMQi~PioSUbGwCmBeKZty87XS1368ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Enlarged City School District of Middletown Board of Trustees recorded unanimous votes (8–0) on a series of routine action items during its May 8 meeting. The following list summarizes motions, movers/seconders when recorded, and outcomes as reflected in the meeting minutes.

Votes at a glance (each motion carried, vote recorded as 8–0 unless noted):

- Motion to adjourn the public hearing on the proposed 2025–26 budget and move into the regular meeting — moved by Mr. Biason, seconded by Mr. Rhett; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Approval of the meeting agenda — moved by Pastor Williams, seconded by Mr. Freddie Williams; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Approval of minutes from the regular meeting of April 24, 2025 — moved by Mr. Rhett, seconded by Pastor Williams; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Administrative personnel memorandum 21A (numbers 1–2) — moved by Pastor Williams, seconded by Mr. Moore; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Instructional personnel memorandum 21B (numbers 1–10) — moved by Ms. DeBison (mover recorded), seconded by Pastor Williams; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Financial memorandum 21D (numbers 1–3) — moved by Mr. Rhett, seconded by Ms. Tobiason; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Non-instructional personnel memorandum 21C (numbers 1–7) — moved by Pastor Williams, seconded by Mr. Rhett; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Special services memorandum 20E (numbers 1–2) — moved by Mrs. DeBison, seconded by Mr. Moore; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Change orders 15F (numbers 1–2) — moved by Mr. Perino, seconded by Pastor Williams. Facilities staff summarized the items as: (1) technology infrastructure upgrades in Area A of an existing building and (2) a credit for deleted kitchen equipment (the second change order reduced contract scope and returned funds). Outcome: approved (8–0).

- Resolution for employee number 8668 — moved by Mr. Biason, seconded by Mr. Rhett; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Resolution for employee number 8235 — moved by Pastor Williams, seconded by Mr. Perino; outcome: approved (8–0).

- Motion to approve a confidential settlement agreement (discussed in executive session) — moved by Pastor Williams, seconded by Mr. Moore; outcome: approved (8–0).

Notes: The meeting record indicates most motions were moved and seconded by trustees; recorded tallies were unanimously “Aye.” The meeting referenced that some personnel resolutions were discussed in executive session prior to public action. No motion recorded as failed or tabled at this meeting.

For verification and procedural details, the district clerk’s office maintains official minutes and vote records for each item.","At its May 8 meeting the board approved a slate of routine administrative, instructional and financial personnel actions, two construction change orders, two personnel resolutions and a confidential settlement agreement; all recorded votes were unanimous (8-0).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564805,"Twin Towers expansion progresses: steel up, geothermal equipment installed; district schedules May 29 walkthrough",174,8512000,8686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236&start=8512&end=8686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236/thumbnail_8512000.jpg","/articles/6564805/New-York/Twin-Towers-expansion-progresses-steel-up-geothermal-equipment-installed-district-schedules-May-29-walkthrough","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564805-2d0e0b529dcbcc1a36f9a9d227eba5a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940701&Signature=QHgnt7yYEQwaMNaWHjkmhmaNdFJqVNZLx~JEJ3xibJh-JOSqVYcEkcg80I8QHRi72TDMCp6EDpDV3Qo5llGM5B1VUaW57wbuFHefTuctDjKX0mxstVARhkD0S9WPrxCB9isojKsfDvuUPrNkP47jt4YAaLSPG4elfZ7pRX4W6IMOq3k8djVZP4XPQWOsADuQbJUfIl~TBMJOoFuEARHB4TD1yT~HeLL~Ee1VOkqJos6tp~vznPjaZQz8Jca38V8tDudg4PjHl53rukCuxAiwFOxHvzMMnVXJltIZlB0dlJDUSxpVmqbJ9M~cNwhDVFh7vgZIJpfF-XSvpiw8dDzazA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District facilities staff updated the board May 8 on construction at Twin Towers and other campus projects, reporting that steel erection is underway, foundations and weatherproofing are complete in multiple areas, and mechanical work linked to a recently installed geothermal system is in place.

The presenters said the project includes three new addition volumes, new electrical service infrastructure, upgraded mechanical systems tied to 85 geothermal wells installed in a previous summer, and interior work (ductwork, electrical and drywall) progressing in renovated sections. Steel framing for the new addition has climbed multiple levels and the district posted images of the emerging courtyard and site work.

Facilities staff also reported advance site preparation for a new food-service storage building and said they had met with the Town of Wallkill about future projects. The district scheduled an in-person site walkthrough for board members on May 29 (presenters said the walkthrough will run around 5:15–6:30 p.m.).

Trustees and administrators discussed the construction timeline and the district’s outreach to minimize disruption during the school year. One trustee and a board member emphasized that many projects are largely state-aidable and encouraged residents with questions to contact the district for details.

Why it matters: The Twin Towers work is a multi-year capital project intended to modernize facilities and add instructional and physical-education space; the district described the work as largely aidable and said it is taking steps to limit disruption to students and staff.

Speakers at the update included facilities staff members identified as Bill (project presenter) and district trustees who asked questions about timelines and the impact on school operations.","District facilities staff reported steady progress on the Twin Towers project: steel erection is underway, geothermal wells and mechanical equipment are installed, foundations and weatherproofing are in place, and a new food-service storage building site has been prepared. A public walkthrough was scheduled for May 29.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564809,"Middletown students spotlighted: author visit, youth government wins and expanding civic-readiness capstones",2234,3814000,6048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236&start=3814&end=6048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253778-8bc6fc22f71436a69ad00b4529b8f236/thumbnail_3814000.jpg","/articles/6564809/New-York/Middletown-students-spotlighted-author-visit-youth-government-wins-and-expanding-civic-readiness-capstones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564809-69d17a9ca048698597d65f0f5d7e5603/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940701&Signature=W22gref3ZxTNEbnZIuyMOzTQM5iegu4SplStpn0IAUiPo5f5F25WnhpQTvqEYIM83m~DcAMHgTcEhoOpdU0qhGpvVyEd4JNAcQE8B1X36epVroTKyLBH1cfxRicR~jr2QUpG~IvFaMWPDopiK9wfb~oHp9WI8-SxQloEgmEk7Vi~gAhuJjGrziBakZxog0WomJZr9YQqpEXkp4qLHOfJRnGD7UXnGmxEww4P-GyZgttcN-pHCR4lOIbpoejciXHJQXeyFpqQzq2jq8uF-xQkJh4SwW7pqmkghm9pfiuqepyDVkja775o3mSbbMM3~cYahJ9B6zxZCD7~NFnNSSuylg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Middletown trustees set aside part of the May 8 meeting to recognize student programs and community partnerships that administrators said have increased participation and opportunities across grade levels.

The district’s communications and library teams arranged an author visit by New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds. Administrators said roughly 1,000 scholars attended two assemblies; the district solicited and used a community donation to bring Reynolds to Middletown, and the special-services team purchased copies of titles including Long Way Down, For Everyone and Ghost for audiences. The superintendent and teachers described extended classroom and library activity after the visit and distributed signed copies and posters to the high school and the board.

Youth in Government: The district’s Youth in Government delegation reported multiple wins at regional and state events. Advisors Jen Kinney and Tierney Lynch said the program sent 23 delegates to the state YMCA conference, where students advanced bills, served as committee chairs, and had three bills signed by the youth governor. Two delegates were selected to attend the national Changemaker Summit and were competing for a $5,000 grant for a community service project addressing impaired driving.

Seal of Civic Readiness and student capstones: Middletown’s Seal of Civic Readiness program — a New York State recognition that signals civic knowledge and engagement — is in its third year. The district projected more than 70 graduates would earn the seal this year, up from 47 last year. Projects presented included a hygiene drive to benefit the local ReCap shelter (students identified homelessness and collected hygiene items), Busy Bags (activity kits for parents attending conferences), and Bags of Hope (travel-size hygiene kits for children in foster care made in partnership with Orange County Department of Social Services). Presenters said roughly 25% of seal recipients this year are students in special education programs or English language learners.

Why it matters: Student civic engagement and expanded arts and literacy programming reached broad swaths of the district, administrators said. Trustees praised staff and volunteers and encouraged the community to support upcoming events and fundraisers that benefit these programs.

Speakers and sources at the meeting included media/library specialist Emily Londrigan, program advisers Jen Kinney and Tierney Lynch, and student presenters who described their projects. Several trustees and administrators highlighted the role of grants, donations and community partnerships that helped cover costs for field experiences and author events.","The district showcased student achievements including a Jason Reynolds author visit for about 1,000 scholars, youth-in-government delegates who advanced to statewide programs, and expansion of the Seal of Civic Readiness with dozens of student capstone projects (hygiene drives, Busy Bags, Bags of Hope).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Middletown trustees present 2025–26 budget with 1.99% tax levy; three propositions set for May 20 vote

Votes at a glance: Board approves routine personnel, financial and settlement items (May 8, 2025)

Twin Towers expansion progresses: steel up, geothermal equipment installed; district schedules May 29 walkthrough

Middletown students spotlighted: author visit, youth government wins and expanding civic-readiness capstones