[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6241712,"mediaKeyId","3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c","parentId",3254153,"title","Five candidates vie for three seats on RCS Board of Education; incumbents stress continuity, challengers stress teacher support","audioSeconds",1972,"startMs",712000,"endMs",2684000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c&start=712&end=2684","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c/thumbnail_712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241712/New-York/Five-candidates-vie-for-three-seats-on-RCS-Board-of-Education-incumbents-stress-continuity-challengers-stress-teacher-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241712-d094218764886d70129275a275cf19d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770631454&Signature=ekDmDa4vdEOcDfeTHeds3vjO9uzyGpvuiWSr36l-Gszqv43HFS8cA1Yi-UJSjlt3ZikuqkHf4tbGJq529Jpn7GOyamzQtWNFP6z4ah9C~tnPOhCAfyNxw~j6SL1kaP5DyvU4DIVkYfl~utTz8bUMDRXoaoVUQ--oPTypeAyJ3tCXNmop8yJNDI5I9rzilXNqpUXtsVhigt-MvYOovNxe~se-5BF3i7Qsi41wIaJtdU4kg6TitSJiOVeEsHt2Bm1mZcX-CU5Kz0ZbzYwW0k462P5s0l-zfNIcQjiftWIATD5UeBK77p9-ofRqvnsLPLuUzTnth---XuxdszTacxmKEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-08T13:32:01Z","article","Five candidates for three open seats on the Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk Board of Education introduced themselves at the May 12 meeting and outlined priorities ahead of the election.

Mike Dio, the board president and an incumbent, said he is seeking reelection to provide “stability, continuity, and steady governance” as the district prepares for new superintendent leadership. Dio told listeners the board has “clarified our district vision and mission, defined goals, and have prepared for long term change.”

Incumbent Ed Benedetti said he ran three years ago on “Students First, Staff Always, and Taxpayers’ Trust” and emphasized communication, trust and transparency. He said board members must ask “tough but fair” questions and focus on how policies will be implemented in classrooms.

Challengers and other candidates described varied motivations: Dave Kramer, a wildlife biologist by training, framed his candidacy around supporting teachers and said “excellent teachers produce excellent students.” Jenny Molino, a special‑education preschool teacher and incumbent candidate, said she wants to ensure staff have “support and supplies” and that policy is implemented with equity. Kelly (Matty) Kellyhauer, a 19‑year‑old recent high‑school graduate and student‑leader on his college campus, said he is focused on classroom conditions such as air conditioning, seating and reducing phone distractions for students.

Why it matters: Three seats are open on a nine‑member board; board composition affects district policy, budget oversight and superintendent oversight. The candidates’ remarks focused on continuity, student supports, teacher engagement and facilities improvements.

What was decided: This meeting served as candidate introductions; no board election action occurred. The district announced there are three open seats and voters will decide in the scheduled school election.

Ending: Candidates asked for community support; the board encouraged voters to participate in the May 20 vote on the budget and elected positions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 6,2025 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Five candidates — three incumbents and two challengers — introduced themselves at the RCS Board meeting. Incumbents emphasized continuity and governance stability as the district prepares for superintendent transition; challengers emphasized teacher support, classroom experience and facilities priorities.","taxTitle","RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",69141,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6241717,"RCS Community Library director and trustee candidates outline services, tax‑cap budget and new programs",482,60000,542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c&start=60&end=542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6241717/New-York/RCS-Community-Library-director-and-trustee-candidates-outline-services-taxcap-budget-and-new-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241717-0acf922dadbe2df28974958ba137d964/orig.mp4?Expires=1770631454&Signature=R4iMZ9bjy6vGf98XMzsRLKVqa9~rw49b6m~jUBJa3Scf9NmSeP~yZntgF7zHXS0536mjNA0xSl9FahiRDSy4vPameSQW1yC0bjTS7SGahOF8korprz8bGHsZNrxiLxmSQHuCjDtpyBdk55k09VDim3ggkUFFsxjpLxLIojjXuRbzyHo-CDL25OAwMavYpSOeQCGkOI13~hz31To2d~czU3ylvP6mDMy8j0j0CckJecOfm6WNBdMbnXEoiUmBPFC-yRqXiBdNuOsgkDabn29wkDGRxbeaZW8SkY5SCYeIQMqzLEEat5WdmSNDwaDVtMEZJjyw9w2K8GkzGX51tiLPgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several candidates for the RCS Community Library board and the library director presented services and a budget summary at the Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk board meeting.

Jessica O’Connor, who said she has served three years on the library board and as vice president, described the library as a “safe welcoming environment for everyone” and urged continued support. Patricia Visconti, Tiffany Moreno and Michelle Wagner — each running for library trustee — spoke about the Romp and Read program, outreach during COVID and programs for all ages. Lisa Newman, library director, said the board approved a tax‑cap‑compliant library budget that included a 2.63% levy increase and emphasized shifting some spending from physical materials to digital content.

Newman highlighted new services: an all‑access New York Times subscription accessible through the library website, expanded Vox audiobooks for children and a small lending collection of fishing poles provided by a partner. She said circulation, room use and program attendance are up and that the library will serve this summer as an official cooling center registered with the New York State Department of Health and Albany County. Newman also said the library obtained a New York State construction grant that paid to replace about one‑third of the library’s roof and that the library recently joined the Albany County Healthcare Cooperative to pursue lower health insurance costs.

Why it matters: The library is a locally funded public resource; a tax‑cap‑compliant levy governs the library’s property tax request to the town and affects the library’s fiscal plan. Newman described the library as delivering “a $3 return for every dollar spent.”

Discussion and next steps: Candidates introduced themselves and described priorities — community programs, digital growth and family outreach. Newman said the library is applying for additional grants and noted she would field questions from community members by phone or email.

Ending: The library presentation served as part of the evening’s public presentations; the board later moved to its regular business agenda.","Library trustees and director presented the RCS Community Library budget and candidates running for the library board described priorities including programs, digital collections and community services. The library reports a tax‑cap compliant levy increase of 2.63% and recent state construction grant help for a roof replacement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6241722,"RCS board approves $56.96 million 2025-26 budget to send to voters; security upgrades, three micro‑buses and an EV van also proposed",744,1525000,2269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c&start=1525&end=2269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3254153-495520d75191ea6d47fd84bc738d969c/thumbnail_1525000.jpg","/articles/6241722/New-York/RCS-board-approves-5696-million-2025-26-budget-to-send-to-voters-security-upgrades-three-microbuses-and-an-EV-van-also-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241722-8dbd0b7e61c0ea9c288c8e0a08a9e414/orig.mp4?Expires=1770631454&Signature=U7R-f9cqy2sSUH6WbDFNf-jBWifsGsHlm179sB~4iXsVk3e56CIu6a2gY97GeTTZ5Ni82whYRWnUpIur-Ch4SHUvjE2moDdtGaVsaxtedwH~2inGPaUjgnpUfLjCvK7vEN6UW7pshIfhA-JCEl-MX0snCTDBCyhbiLicW5DzATZQW2vWC-lQVbothkScsKI7qolga7Lmcr6Q1Mu70UNJZuofimEp1Kje8JRhIlxQn48MpQ3Rchz1qTR2ySZu18FYzO8n0Gz~mtdqvlb~lASue-G0v7a2-zDFLGU12LGiWYGCwfDVgAdJDT1BTrQenXlcSfT72R-a~AsfKvGXBTbKNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk Central School District Board of Education approved a $56,959,448 spending plan for 2025‑26 and voted to send it to voters on May 20, the board confirmed at its May 12 meeting.

Jesse, a district staff presenter, told the board the proposal represents a roughly $2.3 million (4.36%) increase over the current year and attributed much of the rise to contract obligations and insurance costs. The district plans a 3.56% tax‑levy increase, “a little bit over $29,000,000,” Jesse said, and estimated state aid at about $21,000,000, including a roughly $1.6 million increase in foundation aid.

The budget’s expense mix is predominantly instructional: Jesse said about 77% of spending funds programs and teachers, 15% goes to capital and debt service, and the remainder covers administration and other costs. The plan reduces use of fund balance from 2.5 (last year) to 2.3 (this year), Jesse said, and the district is pursuing grants and other revenue to help close gaps. Board President Mike Dio reiterated the board’s unanimous support, saying, “I just wanna clarify that the board has approved the proposed budget that is going out for vote.”

Why it matters: If approved by voters, the budget would set district spending and the local tax levy for 2025‑26; if voters reject it, the district may hold a revote in June and, if defeated again, must implement a contingent budget that limits spending. Jesse outlined items that may be cut under a contingent plan: no tax levy increase, no equipment purchases, mandatory fees for public use of buildings, bans on raises for certain noninstructional employees and no rental of office equipment.

Key ballot propositions and items described during the presentation include:
- A security capital project “a little over $2,000,000” to finish security work across district buildings: additional electrified door hardware, security window film for vestibules, panic hardware and upgraded speakers to aid lockdown announcements. Jesse said the district plans to use about $740,000 from the district’s capital reserve; if allowed under state aid rules, that portion would create no tax impact. The project would complete work started in the district’s ongoing instructional‑space construction.
- Transportation purchases: three smaller “micro‑bird” buses for low‑ridership routes and one Ford Transit battery‑electric vehicle fitted for trips with few passengers. The plan includes charging infrastructure at the transportation facility. Jesse said the district is discussing possible grant funding with NYSERDA; if grants reduce costs, the district would borrow less than the ballot maximum.

What was asked and not known: Several board members asked whether legislative changes to the state budget could increase the district’s state aid; Jesse said the district used the legislative number for foundation aid and that final numbers remain uncertain until Albany finishes action. The district also noted it is pursuing grant funding for the electric van but that award decisions are not yet final.

Process and next steps: The board approved the proposed budget to go to a public vote May 20. If voters approve, the budget becomes the district’s spending plan for next year. If voters reject it, the district may return for a revote in June; a second defeat would force implementation of a contingent budget with the limits Jesse described.

Ending: Jesse encouraged community members to call or email with questions and asked residents to vote May 20. The district said detailed budget documents and estimated homeowner tax‑impact tables will be finalized after town assessment data are available.","The Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk Central School District board approved its 2025‑26 spending plan and will send a $56,959,448 budget to a May 20 public vote. The proposal includes a 3.56% tax‑levy increase, a security capital project and funding to buy three smaller buses plus an electric Ford Transit for short runs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Five candidates vie for three seats on RCS Board of Education; incumbents stress continuity, challengers stress teacher support

RCS Community Library director and trustee candidates outline services, tax‑cap budget and new programs

RCS board approves $56.96 million 2025-26 budget to send to voters; security upgrades, three micro‑buses and an EV van also proposed