Suffern Central voters approve 2026–27 budget; Donnelly, Shapiro lead trustee returns

Voters in the Suffern Central School District approved the district’s 2026–27 budget Tuesday, with Proposition 1 passing 1,600 to 780, the board announced at a recalled meeting.

The board also reported trustee vote totals: Tom Donnelly received 1,905 votes and Paul Shapiro received 1,826 votes. The chair described these numbers as unofficial and said the district expects to post official results in about a month.

“Thank you for passing our budget,” the chair said after reading the tallies and congratulating the top vote-getters. The chair also thanked the SEA and the PTA for outreach efforts that encouraged voter participation.

Superintendent said the district will implement the programs and additions that were shared with the public as part of the approved budget next school year. “I’d also like to give a special congratulations to the entire Suffern Central community for your support of our budget,” the superintendent said, and singled out administrative staff for their role in budget development and election logistics, naming Dr. Castellane, Pam Alfonte, Robert Romanowski and Heather Campbell.

The chair told residents the results are unofficial and that the board will announce certified results when they arrive. The meeting also included routine business: a motion to adjourn was moved by Miss Brian, seconded, and the session was closed.

Votes at a glance
Proposition 1 (2026–27 budget): Yes 1,600; No 780 — announced as unofficial; outcome: approved (unofficial).
Trustee vote totals (announced): Tom Donnelly 1,905; Paul Shapiro 1,826.

The board said it will publish certified election results when they are available and noted the next annual election date, Tuesday, May 18, 2027.