Somers set for budget vote, Board of Ed election

SOMERS, N.Y. - The Somers Board of Education has adopted a 2026-2027 budget of $116,007,313, which represents a 2.23 percent increase over the current spending plan of $113,477,113.

The vote, taken on April 21, was unanimous.

A public hearing was held on Tuesday, May 5, and the budget vote and trustee elections are set for 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Somers Middle School.

There are two seats up for grabs. The candidates are Patrick Varbero, who is seeking re-election, and Tessa O’Connell. Even though the election will be uncontested, The Somers Record offered the candidates the opportunity to address voters and explain, in their own words, their qualifications and what they see as the most important issues facing the district.

TESSA O'CONNELL

Please list your career and educational accomplishments.

For more than a decade, I’ve dedicated my career to helping nonprofit organizations build community in support of meaningful missions. My background includes a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies both from Northeastern University. Currently, I serve as an Associate Director of Communications for a global environmental nonprofit, where I focus on engaging and effective storytelling. From managing digital strategy at Memorial Sloan Kettering to leading public outreach for local parks conservancies, I’ve learned how to bring people together for a common cause. I’m eager to bring my experience in communications and community building to the Somers School Board.

What other leadership positions have you held locally?

While I haven't held a formal local board position, I’ve dedicated my career to the nonprofit sector, working daily to better communities in New York and beyond. This commitment started while I was in college—I volunteered for Jumpstart (a national early education organization) to provide students with critical educational support, and it was an experience that deeply informed my interest in running for the school board. I also grew up in a family of educators. My mother was a public school teacher for over 20 years, and I have many family members and close friends who currently serve as public school teachers in New York. That perspective, combined with my professional experience, drives my passion for supporting Somers’ schools, teachers and administrators.

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?

Somers’ schools are already outstanding, and my priority is maintaining that high standard of excellence while navigating our community’s evolving needs. My goal is to uphold this quality of excellence by supporting the talented teachers and administrators who lead our classrooms every day. As a professional communicator, I am uniquely qualified to foster transparency and collaboration. I will be a dedicated listener for students and families, ensuring every decision strengthens the partnership between our schools and the residents of Somers.

PATRICK VARBERO

Please list your career and educational accomplishments.

I am a lifelong Somers resident, having lived here for 43 years and attended Somers schools from first through twelfth grade. After graduating from Somers High School, I went on to the State University of New York at Oneonta, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

After college, I briefly worked in the mortgage industry before beginning my career in law enforcement. In 2012, I became a Police Officer with the Harrison, New York Police Department, where I am now a 14-year veteran. I currently hold the rank of Sergeant and oversee a patrol squad of eight officers. I have also served in the department’s K9 Unit for 11 years and now supervise that unit.

Over the course of my career, I have earned numerous state and federal law enforcement certifications, including multiple certifications from the Department of Homeland Security in Incident Command Systems. I am a certified New York State Field Training Officer and a New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Instructor. I am also proud to be among the first instructors in New York State certified in implicit bias and procedural justice training.

What other leadership positions have you held locally?

My wife, Torri, and I have been married for 19 years, and we have three amazing children—two daughters and a son, ages 15, 12, and 10—who all attend Somers schools. I spend most of my free time with my family, supporting our children at their activities, practices, and games. I believe strongly in family values and the importance of being present, and I strive to instill in my children the principles of respect, hard work, and dedication as the foundation for success.

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?

I am running again for the Somers School Board because I believe our schools need steady, thoughtful leadership focused on students, strong academics, and a supportive community. During my term, I was proud to be part of the process that hired our new superintendent, Dr. Bronstein, whose leadership has already made a meaningful and visible difference in the district. He has helped restore a strong sense of connection across our community—bringing families, staff, and leadership closer together through open communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to our students. That renewed bond is strengthening trust and creating a more positive, unified environment for everyone. I’ve worked to listen closely to families, support our educators, and make decisions grounded in both data and common sense. There is still important work ahead—strengthening student outcomes, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and ensuring every child feels safe and supported—and I want to continue contributing to that progress. I’m committed to collaboration, transparency, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on what’s best for our students and the future of our community.

BUDGET VOTE

If the budget passes, the school tax levy will rise to $93,561,010 from the current $91,447,907, a difference of 2.31 percent.

The estimated tax rate of $196.76 per $1,000 of assessed valuation represents a $4.57 or 2.38 percent increase over the current $192.19 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The tax rate will not be set until August when assessments are finalized by the town.

Tax certioraris that are settled between now and August could impact the tax rate.

If the budget is not approved by the voters, the district has several options.

It can resubmit the same budget for another vote on June 16.

It could revise the budget and submit it for vote on June 16.

It could adopt a contingent budget with a tax levy increase of zero percent from the previous year. In this case, no additional vote is needed.

If the district goes with a contingency plan, “people and positions, for the most part, will be impacted,” according to Christopher Platania, assistant superintendent for business and operations.

Instructional and athletic coaching positions would be cut.

Co-curricular clubs and mental health supports would be reduced.

The district couldn’t order any new equipment and no building and grounds projects could go forward unless they were for something that involved “health and safety concerns.

Use of school facilities by community groups would be limited.

Prior to Platania’s presentation on April 21, the Board of Education heard from Rachel Rabinowitz, a member of the district’s Citizens Finance Committee (CFC).

The advisory group’s goal is to promote dialogue between community members, the school board, and district administration. It reviews financial matters, including budget development and capital projects.

According to Rabinowitz, who also sits on the Somers Education Foundation’s board, “a strong school budget takes a lot of planning and listening.”

The CFC met at least five times with schools Superintendent Dr. Adam Bronstein and Platania to discuss the spending plan.

Among the topics it tackled was employee benefit costs, which are, she said, rising “at an unprecedented rate.”

Despite that, the district has “kept aligning resources with students needs” and has “worked hard to stay under the tax cap and to minimize the impact on our community,” Rabinowitz said, adding that that was commendable especially in light of the face that “many other districts are proposing budgets that exceed the cap.”

The budgeting process has been “open and transparent.” the budget presentations and school board meetings are “accessible,” and the district itself “is continuing to broaden the voices in the conservation,” she said.

Carol Reif and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report.