North Salem readies for budget vote, Board of Education election

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Voters in the North Salem Central School District will head to the polls on May 19, tasked with approving the proposed 2026-27 spending plan of $53,839,468 and filling a pair of seats on the Board of Education.

Running for the two open board seats are incumbent Kurt Guldan, who is currently the board’s vice president, and newcomer L. Danielle Cylich.

Although they are running unopposed, North Salem News offered the candidates the opportunity to explain, in their own words, their qualifications and what they see as important issues facing the Board of Education and the district.

L. DANIELLE CYLICH

Please list your career and educational accomplishments.

I received my JD from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Binghamton University. I also completed the Executive Leadership Training Program at Fordham University.

I am an experienced senior manager with over 20 years’ experience in operations administration, strategic support, and client development for non-profit and for-profit organizations. I have worked at cultural, educational and community organizations - creating innovative programming; driving fiscal stability; and leading supportive processes that enhance operational growth. Currently, I provide client management services for a Member of the Firm at Epstein Becker Green’s Employment Labor and Workforce Management practice.

What other leadership positions have you held locally?

As an active volunteer consultant, I am engaged in organizing activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence for Putnam County. Additionally, I serve as President of two private family foundations focused on preservation and conservation activities in Putnam County, New York and as President of the Neighborhood Preservation Center, a nonprofit that provides connections and collaborations in the liveable community space. I serve on the youth sports advisory group and Booster Club at North Salem High School, and am a former Board Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester.

Why is serving on the Board of Education important for you?

Public School is a foundational institution for access to education aimed at providing all children with building blocks necessary to develop into analytical and creative thinkers. Additionally, it is in school hallways and classrooms where the process of engaging in the social fabric of their communities often begins for many students.

Thus, service on a local public-school board of education is important because it is a commitment not only to the individual learner, but to the community as a whole. Public Schools contribute towards building sustainable systems that create informed citizens, support economic mobility, and foster a life-long appreciation for knowledge.

KURT GULDAN

Please list your career and educational accomplishments.

I am a lifelong member of the North Salem community and a proud graduate of North Salem schools. For more than 25 years, I have remained actively involved in our town and school district. While still a student, I founded a landscaping business that has grown into a successful local company providing landscaping, construction, and property maintenance services. As a business owner, I have gained extensive experience in long-term planning, project management, and workforce supervision - skills directly applicable to responsible school district governance.

What other leadership positions have you held locally?

Public service and community safety have been central to my adult life. I have served with the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps for over 30  years, including as President and currently as Captain, where I oversee operations, personnel, and critical decision-making. Since 2012, I have also served as the Town of North Salem’s Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, helping lead responses to Superstorm Sandy, major power outages, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, I am a member of the Croton Falls Fire Department and the North Salem School District Safety Committee. In these roles, I have helped strengthen emergency preparedness, secure safety funding, and coordinate improvements to district infrastructure.

What are the most important issues facing the district and the Board of Education, and why are you the most qualified to address these issues?

Fiscal responsibility is one of the Board of Education’s most important responsibilities, particularly as districts face rising costs and the end of pandemic-era funding. My experience managing a business budget and planning for future expenses equips me to help maintain strong academic programs while remaining mindful of taxpayers.

School safety is another critical priority. Creating a secure learning environment requires proactive planning, trained personnel, and well-maintained facilities. Through my work in emergency management and district safety planning, I have collaborated closely with first responders, administrators, and security professionals to improve readiness and response.

Finally, the current facilities bond project underscores the need for strong oversight and long-term capital planning. With a background in construction and project management, I bring practical experience working with engineers and contractors to ensure projects are completed efficiently, cost-effectively, and with student safety as the top priority.

Together, my experience in emergency preparedness, and infrastructure oversight positions me to provide practical, informed, and forward-looking leadership for the district.

BUDGET VOTE

The North Salem Board of Education on Wednesday, April 8, unanimously adopted a proposed 2026-2027 spending plan of $53,839,468.

It represents an increase of $1,461,504, or 2.79 percent, over the current $52,377,964 budget.

What do the numbers mean to property owners in the district?

Expenses minus revenue equals the levy, or the amount of money raised by taxes.

So, with expenses of $53,839,468 and revenues of $7,947,993, that leaves $45,891,475 for folks to foot.

The proposed increase of 2.9 percent over the current levy is the maximum allowed under state law.

The actual tax rates themselves won’t be known until this summer when assessment rolls and equalization rates are finalized.

North Salem’s school district is somewhat unique in that it covers four towns in two counties: Westchester and Putnam.

Tax rates are different for each of the district’s towns.

The budget vote and board elections are set for 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Pequenakonck Elementary School, 173 June Road, North Salem, N.Y.