Dear Parents and Members of the Lowville Academy School Community,

Enter to Learn … Go Forth to Serve

In every hallway and classroom across our district, the spirit of excellence is alive and thriving – powered by the dedication and passion of our incredible students. From our youngest learners just starting their journey to our seniors preparing to take the next big step, we are proud to celebrate their many achievements and the culture of academic excellence that defines Lowville Academy.

But our students’ talents don’t stop at academics. They shine brightly on the stage, excel on the athletic fields, and lead with heart and purpose in our communities. Their accomplishments reflect not only their hard work but also the vibrant, supportive environment we all help create.

As we celebrate these successes, we want to take a moment to thank you – our teachers, families, and community partners. Your unwavering support encouragement, and involvement have been essential in nurturing and guiding our students every step of the way.

Looking ahead, the BOE is committed to continuing to provide the highest quality education possible. With your partnership, we will uphold our proud tradition of academic rigor, enthusiastic participation, and excellence in athletics and extracurricular activities.

Budget and State Aid Information

The challenge for all NYS school districts every year is to provide high quality educational programs for its students within the means of local taxpayers and state aid. Through long range planning and careful day-to-day financial management, we will be able to maintain our high academic standards while maintaining our facilities.  We intend to continue to build on our track record of staying below our Tax Cap.

We believe our proposed budget of $31,425,533 supports high quality programming for students while also demonstrating sensitivity to the challenging economic times that confront our community. This budget reflects an increase of $707,048 or 2.30%, which is largely due to increases in salaries and benefits.  Along with a small tax increase, the District projects other additional revenues of $457,874. This will mean the use of $1.3 million in fund balance and reserves compared to the $1.2 million allocated in the last budget cycle to balance the budget. We are carefully planning for the long term protection of our high-quality education and continued high standards.

District Tax Levy

The Board of Education is projecting a total tax increase to be 2.99% which is below our allowable limit. While raising taxes is never an easy decision, our district has been fortunate for many years compared with our neighbors to maintain a historically low tax rate. Fortunately, increasing values of property in our entire district will help to offset a good portion of our tax rate for many of our taxpayers.  Based on tentative values, our true tax rate, including the current library levy, is expected to be $6.58 per $1,000.  

The information within the Budget Newsletter will provide you with a detailed look at the specifics of the proposed spending plan and the accompanying funding priorities of the Board of Education.  We hope the strong tradition of community support for academic excellence will continue in the 218th year of Lowville Academy’s existence.  We remain committed to fulfilling the promise of a bright educational future for every child.

Respectfully, 

Lowville Academy and Central School Board of Education

Superintendent of Schools, Rebecca Dunckel

Special Resolution – “At-Large Board Seats”

There will be a special resolution on the ballot this May. Currently, our community members run for specific board seats. The original intention was for each municipality in the district to have a seat, or a representative, from that area. However, over time, it has become less about representation from different municipalities. Our Board of Education is seeking to move to an at-large voting system where the individuals who receive the most votes are elected to the board with no specific seat. In order to do this, we must first understand the Education Law behind a change.

Education Law § 2018 permits the District to transition from voting for individual, specific board of education seats to an at-large voting system if voters approve a proposition to make this change.  If the proposition is passed, the at-large system will take effect starting with the election immediately following the one in which the proposition was enacted. The board of education will place the proposition on the ballot through a resolution.  In practical terms, if our community approves this resolution in May 2025, the board election held in the subsequent year (2026) will be the first to implement the at-large voting system. 

Early Mail Voting

On September 20, 2023, Governor Hochul signed into law Chapter 481 enacting the New York Early Mail Voter Act. If you are interested in voting early with a mail ballot, you will need to obtain an application from the District Clerk. In order to be a qualified voter you must be:

• a citizen on the United States
• at least 18 years of age; and
• a resident of the school district for a period of at least 30 days preceding the meeting or election at which you seek to vote.

Absentee Ballots Available

Absentee ballots for the annual budget vote and school board election will be also available for any qualified voter who otherwise is unable to vote in person on May 20, 2025. 

A qualified voter is eligible for an absentee ballot when he or she is:

• Absent from district when polls are open due to business, occupation or studies;
• Confined in hospital or jail;
• Chronically ill or has a physical disability;
• Absent due to vacation – whether actively working or retired

Qualified voters desiring an absentee ballot will need to complete an application. Applications may be obtained by contacting the school district clerk at 315-376-9100 or srivers@lowvilleacademy.org

Applications must be returned to the district clerk as follows: 

• By 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13 if absentee ballot is to be mailed to applicant
• By 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 19 if absentee ballot is to be picked up at school by the applicant.
• All absentee ballots must be returned to the district clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 for the ballot to be counted.

Qualified voters with disabilities who are named on the county list will automatically be sent an absentee ballot.  Please contact the School District Clerk, Sandra M. Rivers, if you have questions or would like additional information regarding the absentee ballot procedure. She can be reached at 315-376-9100.