2025 - 2026 Budget Newsletter
2025-2026 Budget Priorities: Investing in Excellence
On Tuesday, May 20, Chester Union Free School District residents will vote on a proposed $38,222,499 budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget includes a tax levy increase of 2.83%, which aligns with the state’s allowable tax cap for this year. The proposed budget increases spending by 4.71%, or $1,718,645, over the current school year ($36,503,854).
The proposed 2025-2026 budget supports educational programs aligned with the NY Next Generation Learning Standards. It strengthens instruction in reading, math, and other foundational content areas, while enhancing opportunities in the arts, music, physical education, athletics, and extracurriculars. And it does all of this while maintaining small class sizes, a hallmark of a Chester education.
The budget also advances critical safety, security, and infrastructure initiatives. These include our dedicated police presence, strengthened security measures, and targeted facility upgrades. These all contribute to the secure and supportive learning environment Chester students enjoy, where innovative, career-connected learning happens every day.
Chester has taken a transparent, data-driven approach to developing this budget, carefully balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of our students, staff, and community. It supports educational excellence, social and emotional well-being, and strong school-community partnerships. District leadership is proud to bring this proposed budget before voters on May 20th.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Vote for two (2) candidates for a three (3) year term. Names in the order which they should appear on the ballot. More about the Candidates on Page 7. Caroline Negersmith and Kim DiCurcio.
Expenditures
Administrative Function accounts for the central administrative functions, building administration, BOCES administrative and capital costs along with those costs not directly tied to the other functions, including insurance and central support services.
Program Function refers to the costs of providing direct services to students to support teaching and learning.
Capital Function includes the costs of operating and maintain the district’s facilities. Utility costs and debt service are included as well.
Employee benefits are reported in each function on a proportional basis based on the salaries within each function
Revenues
State Aid includes aid from New York State to support educational programs and reimbursement of prior year costs for transportation, debt service and certain educational supplies.
Other Non-Property Tax Items include tuition from other districts, refunds of prior years’ costs, rental income and miscellaneous charges.
Appropriated Fund Balance is the application of accumulated savings and excess revenues used to reduce the local tax levy.
Local Tax Levy includes property taxes on district homes and businesses, PILOT (Payment in-lieu of taxes) and interest and penalties of those penalties.
CUFSD Mission & Vision
The Chester School District develops global leaders by providing students with learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Students engage in authentic applications that support inquiry and innovation through partnerships with their community, local businesses, and higher education.
Chester is committed to data-driven assessments at the district, building, and classroom levels. Reviewing student data enables educators to accurately assess student progress and tailor instruction to meet their individual learning needs. It is an investment that strengthens personalized learning pathways, providing the resources, interventions, and enrichment opportunities necessary for students to reach their highest potential.
VERTICAL ALIGNMENT: A seamless progression of instruction from Pre-K right through graduation ensures students build upon their knowledge and skills as they advance from each grade level or course.
DATA-SUPPORTED INSTRUCTION: Ongoing student assessment helps personalize instruction, identify skill levels, establish learning goals, determine progress and adjust instruction. All of this contributes to improved student learning outcomes.
STUDENT SUPPORT: Every student deserves to have the tools to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. Through these comprehensive support programs, we ensure that every student can develop resilience, set and achieve goals, and engage in lifelong learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
NY NEXT GEN ALIGNMENT: A CHECKLIST
Next Gen programs mean research-based curricula designed to support critical thinking, problem-solving and academic growth across disciplines. Our adherence to Next Gen standards ensures that all instructional programs utilize research-based, standards-aligned frameworks to support student learning, inquiry and personalized growth.
Pre-K, Early Learning & Foundational Skills: Our approach to phonics, literacy, and numeracy builds a strong academic foundation.
NY Next Gen Aligned Instructional Programs: Research-based curricula support our students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic growth across disciplines.
Personalized Learning & Intervention: We apply adaptive instructional tools tailored to individual student needs and progress tracking.
Inquiry-Based & Hands-On Learning: We explore science, technology and engineering through exploratory, standards-driven instruction.
Comprehensive Assessments: Data-driven diagnostics inform instruction and support student achievement.
Professional Development: Ongoing training to support effective implementation of instructional strategies and piloted programs.
This strategic investment enhances student engagement, academic achievement, and long-term success while ensuring equitable access to high-quality education.
Programs & Instruction:
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
Innovative teaching and creative learning at Chester Academy and Chester Elementary foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Leaning heavily into the Engineering Design Process, students engage in a diverse range of activities, from research and literature to hands-on experiences in computer-aided design, robotics, 3D printing, and video production, all in our leading-edge maker spaces. Students showcase their creativity and talents while cultivating critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills! These invaluable experiences enrich their educational journey and foster a lifelong appreciation for all things STEM.
academics.
STEM & TECH CLASSES
Students can begin exploring their interests in science, technology, engineering and math, promoting critical thinking and innovation, essential skills for future success. In fact, Chester students can begin learning coding and the basics of robotics as early as kindergarten!
Architecture • Civil Engineering • Computer Aided Drawing • Computer Coding • Computer Integrated Manufacturing • Design & Drawing for Production • Ecology • Energy & Power • Forensics • Marine Biology • Mechatronics • Principles of Engineering • Robotics • Sports Media • World of Technology
12 COLLEGE & AP COURSES
Earn up to 40 college credits and get a head start on your degree while still in high school.
English • Calculus • Algebra • Trigonometry • Spanish • US History • College Statistics • College Chemistry • Engineering • Graphics & Technical Illustration • AP Physics • AP Biology
LEARN WHAT YOU LOVE
ELECTIVES
The budget supports diverse opportunities for career exploration and internships. There are also many elective courses that provide students opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills, including financial literacy and public speaking.
CAREER CONNECTIONS: PRE-K - 12
Students in all grades learn new and advancing skills firsthand, working alongside career professionals and tradespeople in school or at the job site to build bridges between classroom learning and real-world applications.
WORKPLACE LEARNING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Juniors and seniors can explore career interests through one of many formal internship opportunities with local businesses and organizations. Here are some examples of internship opportunities where juniors and seniors can gain on-the-job experience while exploring their interests and making informed decisions for future college or career pathways:
Graphic Arts • Marketing • Architecture/Engineering • Law Enforcement • Radiology • Veterinary Science • Social Services • Computer Science • Construction • Law • Prosthetics/Orthotics • Biomedical Engineering • Culinary • Insurance • Medical Field • Education • Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy • Government/Politics • Fire/EMS • Theater Arts • Dental/Orthodontics • HVAC • Interior Design • Photography • Business Management • Chiropractic Medicine • Electrical • Real Estate • Aquatic Science • Sports/Athletics Media • Fashion • Exercise Science
EXTRACURRICULARS
From Odyssey of the Mind to intramural sports and beyond, Chester offers more than two dozen clubs and activities! Students explore their interests through enrichment opportunities that enhance learning and engagement. With our diverse set of extracurricular offerings, Chester reinforces its commitment to holistic student success, ensuring all students have access to meaningful learning experiences beyond academics.
PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS
Chester is a three-time recipient of the NAMM Best Community for Music Education Award! The Chester Academy Voice Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. There are musical theater, instrumental, and vocal ensemble opportunities for students at nearly all grade levels. Our visual artists participate in adjudicated exhibitions all year, and our art department offers Intro to Acting, Studio Art, Drawing & Painting, Ceramics and Sculpture and Portfolio Development.
ATHLETICS
The Hambos field 14 interscholastic high school sports teams! This year, all fall and winter teams achieved NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team status. Sports can be an integral component of a complete education for some students, with invaluable lessons in teamwork and leadership experience that extends well beyond the field.
NYS SEALS: CIVIC READINESS & BILITERACY
The state offers two formal recognitions for graduates who demonstrate high proficiency: one honors students who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement, and the other recognizes students who achieve proficiency in English and one or more world languages. In just one year, Chester has doubled the number of eligible candidates to graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy!
PASSPORT FOR GOOD
Passport helps students invest in their own futures, by tracking and showcasing their community service, extracurriculars, internships, and career-related experience. The platform provides a centralized system for students to build a digital resume of their non-academic achievements, which can be used for college applications, scholarships, and even resumes.
SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY
2025-2026 Budget Continues to Enhance Safety
Continued collaborations with the Town of Chester Police Department, Village of Chester Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Orange-Ulster BOCES Health & Safety Risk Management Team and Atlas Security:
- Share commitment to safety and security at all levels
- Standardize protocols and procedures
- Provide fidelity of implementation
- Provide continuous evaluation & assessment focused on improvement
- Ensure dedicated police officer presence at each school building.
- Expand collaboration with Atlas Security to bolster comprehensive safety measures across school facilities and events.
- Allocate resources for security enhancements such as the recently installed Visitor Aware, our quick-response check-in system that tracks visitor activity, screening them in seconds against criminal registries, watch lists, injunctions, banned visitor lists and more.
- Provide school staff with emergency response training and CPR certification to enhance preparedness during emergencies.
- Provide resources for implementing joint safety drills and exercises to test response capabilities and identify areas for improvement.
- Support the development and maintenance of comprehensive emergency response plans that incorporate input and expertise from various stakeholders.
CHESTER GRADUATES ARE
- Effective Communicators
- Dynamic Collaborators
- Innovative Problem Solvers
- Digital Strategists
- Ethical Citizens
- Empowered Learners
Carlista Cambria – Valedictorian of the Class of 2025
Congratulations to Carlista Cambria, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Carlie will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology this fall, and plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. She has always had a passion for math and science and wants to use that to make a difference in the world and improve people’s lives. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook Club, Medical Club, and served as Class President her junior and senior years. She is an active member in her community as a Girl Scout and completed her Gold Award and volunteers every month doing inventory at the Chester Food Pantry. She has also participated in Varsity Softball, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Track and Field throughout her high school career. Carlie enjoys reading, baking, and spending time outdoors. During her junior year, she participated in the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Conference in Albany. She also participated in the Junior Academy of the New York Academy of Sciences during her senior year. She is ranked first in the class with a 100.1 GPA.
David Trinh – Salutatorian of the Class of 2025
Congratulations to David Trinh, the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025. David will be attending Binghamton University in the fall, and plans to major in Computer Engineering. David is passionate and fascinated about computers and believes in their ability to make a big impact in many fields. He has been an active member of the Varsity Indoor and Outdoor Track Team, and he was the captain for the indoor team this season. Outside of sports, he is an attorney for the Mock Trial Team, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and member of Key Club. Currently, he is interning with Chester Academy’s head of the technology department. He is ranked second in the class with 99.87 GPA.
SYNERGY STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
The budget supports a transition from the current School Tools platform to the Synergy Student Information System.
Synergy modernizes student data management, strengthens safety measures, and enhances accessibility. This all ensures a secure, efficient, and connected learning environment for all.
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports: intervention tracking for student success
• Advanced Data Analytics: drive instructional & operational decisions
• Unified Parent Portal: access to grades and report cards
• Enhanced Data Security & Compliance: improved student data protection, role-based access, and Education Law 2-D compliance
• Integrated Emergency Contact & Response: faster, more reliable access to student records in critical situations
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board of Education Candidate: Caroline Negersmith
I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the Chester UFSD Board of Education for another three years if re-elected. As a mom of two boys in Chester schools, and a graduate myself, my ties to the district are deep. I enjoy connecting with our students and families as a PTA member and President of the Chester Soccer Club. I am grateful to work with the Board and administrators who share my goals of improving student outcomes, budget, and policy. While we have accomplished a lot in three years, there is more to do, as we anticipate changes locally and federally. I was honored in 2024 to receive a Board of Distinction award from the NYS School Board Association and remain closely involved with our local Orange County School Board Association, which has been invaluable. It would be a privilege for me to continue to support the students, staff and stakeholders in a community that I love.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board of Education Candidate: Kim DiCurcio
am seeking re-election to the Chester UFSD School Board, on which I have had the privilege of serving as Trustee for the past 3 years, last year as Vice-President; this year as President. My three years have been very rewarding, working diligently to develop clear policies and fiscally responsible budgets, improve facilities, and support curriculum development and student achievement. I have earned a Board of Distinction Award from the NYS School Board Association. Providing children with quality education is of the utmost importance, and requires a collaborative effort by all the stakeholders. If re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly to develop responsible budgets, support programs and personnel, to ensure our schools meet the needs of all learners. I have been a public school educator for the past 32 years. My husband and I are Chester residents since 1999, and both my children are proud Chester graduates.
Stay Connected: Parent Square Expansion
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Parent Square will expand to include direct teacher-to-family communication. This enhancement builds on the successful launch of the platform and reflects our continued commitment to strengthening family and community partnerships.
Voter Information
You MUST be registered to vote in any Chester UFSD elections, budget, or referendum votes. If you are registered to vote in the general election you are registered to vote in the School District Vote.
Registration to vote:
If you are not currently registered to vote, you may register for the school vote by contacting the District Clerk at lindsay.iannuzzi@chesterufsd.org or 845-469-5052 ext 3401.
You will need to bring:
Valid driver’s license or government photo ID.
Proof of residency: deed, or tax bill, or mortgage statement, or utility bill, or rental lease, or renter’s payment receipt, or utility bill with renter’s name included.
Qualifications to Register:
Must be US citizen.
Must be 18 years old by day of vote.
Must have lived in the school district for at least 30 days prior to vote.
May not be in jail, or on parole for a felony conviction.
May not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
Absentee & Early Voting:
Both Absentee and Early Vote by Mail applications must be received by the District Clerk, Chester Union Free School District, 64 Hambletonian Ave, Chester, NY 10918, not later than 7 days before the election. Otherwise, the application may be personally delivered to the District Clerk not later than the day before the election. If you are qualified for an absentee or early mail voting and issued an absentee or early mail ballot, the ballot itself must be received by the District Clerk by 5 PM on the day of the election.
The vote will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Chester Academy Band room.
