Lakeland voters approve budget, bus proposition

Updated on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:40 p.m.

Residents cast their ballots Tuesday in the Lakeland Central School District, approving the $202,072,582 budget for the 2026-27 school year and electing Keith Baisley, Amanda Franco and James Hedberg to the Board of Education

The budget passed 1,029-604, according to preliminary results released after the initial tally on May 19.

The budget represents a 2.62 percent increase over 2025-26. The tax levy is set to rise 2.20 percent, the maximum allowed under the state cap, up from 1.8 percent this year. Tax impacts will vary across the district, which includes Yorktown, and parts of Mahopac (Town of Carmel), Cortlandt, Philipstown, Putnam Valley and Somers.

Proposition 2, a bus/vehicle proposition also passed, 1,044-578.

Three seats were available for three-year terms expiring June 30, 2029.

Newcomer Keith Baisley was the top vote-getter with 992 votes.

Amanda Franco efinished second with 796 votes. She was first appointed in October 2025 to fill the seat left vacant by Bryan Hoben, who resigned in August 2025.

James Hedberg was the third-highest vote-getter with 792 votes. Last year, he earned 319 votes as a write-in candidate.

Newcomer Patricia Martucci-Pace received 771 votes to finish fourth in a race that saw the top three candidates earn seats on the board. Incumbent Christopher Eustace finished fifth with 748 votes.

Superintendent of Schools Karen Gagliardi welcomed the three trustees to the Board of Education in an email to the district community on Wednesday. 

"I look forward to our collaborative work together on behalf of all Lakeland students," she wrote.

The Board of Education will hold its regular meeting Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. in Cafeteria B to certify the results of the budget and trustee vote.

Gagliardi said in the email that the budget "reflects our continued commitment to Success for All and ensures that we can continue providing the rigorous learning experiences, innovative instruction, academic supports and opportunities that every Lakeland student deserves."

"This budget allows us to continue supporting the whole child while maintaining the high standards our community expects and our students need to thrive," Gagliardi wrote.

"Creating a fiscally responsible budget that supports all learners is no small task, and your vote of confidence affirms the important work happening across our schools each and every day."