Baldwin district presents 2025–26 budget propositions, approves personnel report and announces superintendent appointment
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Summary
The Baldwin Union Free School District presented a 2025–26 budget showing a 5.47% budget-to-budget increase while saying the tax levy would rise 2.87%, and the board approved a personnel packet that included appointing Anthony Manila as superintendent and Stephanie Ranjifo as assistant superintendent.
The Baldwin Union Free School District presented its proposed 2025–26 budget to the board and public, described five propositions that will appear on the May 20 ballot, and approved a personnel actions report that included two administrative appointments.
At the meeting the superintendent presented district budget figures, saying the budget-to-budget change is 5.47% and represents "almost a $18,000,000 budget to budget increase," and that the tax‑levy increase is 2.87%, which the district said keeps it within the state tax‑cap. "Our budget is balanced," the superintendent said, later adding in a lighter moment, "If you wanna play the lottery, we are suggesting 8 is a good number for you to play." The superintendent outlined major cost drivers the district faces — transportation, special education and BOCES services — and described capital projects planned across the district.
The superintendent listed five ballot propositions voters will see on May 20: Proposition 1 (the school budget); Proposition 2 (the Baldwin Public Library budget); Proposition 3 (use of the technology reserve already in the district’s accounts); Proposition 4 (use of an existing capital reserve); and Proposition 5 (creation of a new capital reserve fund, not to exceed $25,000,000 over time and initially not to exceed $10,000,000). The superintendent said the technology reserve proposal is an authorization to use funds already set aside, including replacing Chromebooks for incoming third graders and purchasing classroom equipment for career and technical education spaces.
The board approved the personnel actions report as amended (moved by Mrs. Cools and seconded by Mrs. Green). With that approval the meeting announced two administrative appointments included in that personnel packet: Anthony Manila as superintendent of schools and Stephanie Ranjifo as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The board indicated a message would be sent to district staff and the community that evening.
The board also authorized application of the volunteer firefighter and volunteer ambulance worker real property tax exemption under New York Real Property Tax Law §466‑a at 10% of assessed value and set a minimum service requirement of two years for applicants. Other routine business approved during the meeting included minutes, treasurer’s report receipt, committee recommendations for special education, and calendar and election logistics for the May 20 budget vote.
Board members repeatedly urged voters to note the ballot timing: absentee and early mail ballots are due to the district clerk by May 20 at 5 p.m., absentee requests by May 12, and voting on May 20 will run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
