Somers Board reports about $900,000 in budget reductions, leaves SHS Consumer Science post unfilled ahead of referendum

Board members and Superintendent Dr. Sam Galloway told the Somers Board of Education on June 22 that the district’s budget has been reduced by approximately $900,000 following a failed budget. As a result, some anticipated hires have been paused and the Consumer Science position at Somers High School will not be filled at this time; the board plans to present the same budget at a June 30, 2026 referendum.

Board Member Anne Kirkpatrick asked for an update on staffing vacancies; Superintendent Galloway said internal positions will be filled along with some required positions but that several posted “anticipated openings” cannot move forward because of the failed budget. Board Member Gina Olearczyk noted the Consumer Science position was the specific role SHS student representatives had advocated for during the year.

Separately, the Building Committee reported the district received a response from a new attorney stating Somers followed regulations when filing the SES HVAC grant application; no HVAC project work will occur this summer, although new water heaters will be installed.

The board approved routine procedural items earlier in the meeting (minutes and warrant) and scheduled additional committee meetings and calendar items, including a Planning/Finance report with no items and a Policy Committee meeting on August 24. The next budget referendum was announced for June 30, 2026.

No dollar amounts beyond the approximate $900,000 reduction or details about the Consumer Science position’s salary or funding source are specified in the minutes.