Annual Vote Results
MAY 16, 2023 — Voters in the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District (Midlakes schools) approved the 2023-2024 school budget along with several other propositions on this year’s ballot.
The $44,472,644 budget proposal was approved by a vote of 361-113 (76.2% approval). The budget calls for a 2% tax levy increase, which is below the district’s 4.56% limit for the upcoming year based on the state’s tax-cap formula and well below the current rate of inflation.
Other measures approved today by voters:
SCHOOL BUS PURCHASE APPROVED
(388-86, 81.9% approval) To authorize the Board of Education to spend up to $824,130 for the purchase of school buses, to be paid from the Bus Purchase Reserve.
CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT APPROVED
(390-80, 83% approval)
Authorize the Board of Education to establish a new ten-year capital reserve pursuant in an amount not to exceed $8 million plus accrued interest and investment earnings to be used for renovations, additions, and related expenses to all District facilities.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (top two vote-getters to three-year terms beginning July 1, 2023)
1. Jamie McCarrick: 264
2. Heather Rockefeller: 252
3. Deb Galliher: 186
4. Lynn Lebrecht: 182
LIBRARY FUNDING APPROVED
(342-128, 72.8% approval)
A measure separate from the District budget authorizing the amount of $90,000 to support both the Clifton Springs Library and the Phelps Community Memorial Library.
Board of Education Finalizes Budget
APRIL 18, 2023 — During its April 17 meeting, the Board of Education adopted an approximately $44.47 million budget for the 2023-2024 school year that will be put to a vote from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 in the Midlakes Middle School Gymnasium.
The proposal calls for a 2% tax levy increase, which is well below the District’s tax levy limit set by the state.
Voters will also be asked to elect two candidates to three-year terms on the Board of Education, approve a proposition to purchase five new buses, and establish a capital reserve fund to offset future capital improvement projects.
A separate funding measure for the Clifton Springs Library and Phelps Community Memorial Library will also be on the ballot. The District hosts the vote for the libraries, but the funding does not impact school property taxes.
Additional details on the Annual Vote can be found below. (Scroll to the end of this page for other budget documents and presentations.)
» ANNUAL VOTE Q&A: Responses to commonly asked questions
» SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE: Proposal focuses on key supports
» BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES: Four running for two seats
» BALLOT PROPOSITIONS: Items on the ballot
»LEGAL NOTICE
» MIDLAKES JOURNAL: Annual Vote Edition
» BUDGET NOTICE MAILER:
Due to a production error, the Phelps-Clifton Springs CSD 2023-2024 Budget Notice misstated the total amount reduced from the proposed budget under a contingency plan. The correct amount should read $303,299. Also, the $3,836,323 budget increase is for 2023-2024. This information has been updated in a digital version of the postcard on this page.
Budget Summary
» BUDGET: $44,472,644
» TAX LEVY INCREASE: 2% over 2022-2023
» STATE AID: $4,158,730 more than 2022-2023
» RESERVE SPENDING: $649,575 ($500,000 decrease over 2022-2023)
» BUDGET HEARING: The Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 8, in the Midlakes Board of Education Room, 1490 State Route 488, Clifton Springs for the purpose of discussing the expenditure of funds for the 2023-2024 school year and the budgeting thereof.
Voter Eligibility
District residents qualify to participate in the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District vote, according to state law, provided they are:
- A U.S. Citizen
- At least 18 years old
- A district resident for at least 30 days
*There are no property requirements to vote.
Voter Info
» IN-PERSON VOTING: Noon to 9 p.m., Tuesday May 16, Midlakes Middle School Gymnasium, 1550 Route 488.
» ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Qualified voters of the District may obtain applications for an absentee ballot from the office of the District Clerk. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no later than 4 p.m. on May 15, 2023, and must be received no later than 4 p.m. on May 9 if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter. Completed applications received after 4 p.m. on May 9 will require the voter to personally appear at the office of the District Clerk to receive an absentee ballot.
» MILITARY BALLOTS: Military ballots may be applied for by qualified voters by requesting an application from the District Clerk at (315) 548-6420 or kplante@midlakes.org. Completed applications for military ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on April 20, 2023. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.
» FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact District Clerk Krystal Plante at (315) 548-6420 or kplante@midlakes.org.
Budget Development Calendar
The development of the 2023-2024 budget will follow a process similar to recent years. Presentations on specific departments/areas will be presented to the Board in advance of the presentation of the overall budget for consideration by the Board. Further information regarding the annual vote will be added to this page as it becomes available.
BOE Candidate Packets
Qualified voters of the district will elect two Board Members to full three-year terms during the Annual School Vote on May 16, 2023. The seats on the Board of Education held by Matthew Murphy and Jamie McCarrick are up for vote.
Those interested in learning more about running for a seat on the Board can view the candidate information packet by clicking on this link. This document contains a Nominating Petition and other important information.
In the documents to follow, you will find detailed information regarding the Vacancies and Terms of Office, Qualifications for School Board Members, Nominating Petitions, Statements of Campaign Contributions and Expenses, Training Requirements, School Board Member Roles and Responsibilities, and Best Practices for Board of Education Members.
