by Rachel Hunter

Voters in the Gouverneur Central School District approved the district’s 2026–27 budget proposal during the annual school budget vote held Tuesday, May 19. The spending plan of $50,483,279 authorizes the Board of Education to fund general operations for the coming school year and to levy the taxes necessary to support that budget. The proposition passed by a wide margin, with 141 votes in favor and 46 opposed, reflecting continued community support for the district’s academic programs, staffing, and student services.

In addition to the budget vote, residents elected three members to the Board of Education for three‑year terms beginning July 1, 2026. The top three vote‑getters were all seated. Brooke Bush led the field with 150 votes, followed by Todd Bates with 140, and Logan Buckmaster with 139. All three will serve through June 2029. Six additional write‑in candidates each received one vote. Bush and Bates, both incumbents, will continue their service on the board, while Buckmaster will begin his first full term.

The next regular meeting of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 1, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium. The public is encouraged to use Entrance 10. For more info: www.gcsk12.org.