Voters across Rockland County are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, May 19, to decide on proposed 2026–2027 school budgets, Board of Education seats, and several propositions that could impact local taxpayers and school operations for years to come.

While every district in Rockland County is holding votes today, much of the attention this year is focused on the East Ramapo Central School District and the Suffern Central School District, where budget discussions, tax concerns, and community outreach efforts have generated significant public debate in recent weeks.

Residents are encouraged to verify their assigned polling locations directly through their school district websites, as voting sites vary by neighborhood and ward. Voters can also check registration information through the New York State Board of Elections website: https://elections.ny.gov/

In East Ramapo, residents are voting on a proposed $367 million school budget that district officials say includes a 0% increase to the tax levy for the upcoming school year. District officials have promoted the proposal as a fiscally responsible plan focused on academics, infrastructure, and transportation improvements.

However, critics and community members have argued that while there may not be an immediate tax levy increase this year, the overall budget itself is still increasing by approximately 5.56%, raising concerns about future tax implications and long-term spending growth.

The debate intensified following recent community discussions and mailbags regarding district spending and reserve funds, especially after prior concerns raised over district surpluses and state financial oversight.

Under the federal court-ordered ward system used in East Ramapo, all registered voters may vote on the budget, but only residents in Wards 3, 5, and 8 may vote on Board of Education races this year.

The trustee candidates include:

• Ward 3: Sherry McGill
• Ward 5: Simon Koth
• Ward 8: Moshe Samuel Feder

Polls in East Ramapo are open from 7:00 AM until 9:30 PM. The district operates multiple ward polling locations, and residents must vote at the polling place assigned to their home address. District officials note that school election polling locations may differ from regular county election sites.

The East Ramapo polling locations are:

Ward 1 – Summit Park Elementary School, 911 Route 45, New City, NY 10956
Ward 2 – Pascack Community Center, 87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet, NY 10954
Ward 3 – Spring Valley High School – Upper Gym, 361 Route 59, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Ward 4 – Chestnut Ridge Middle School, 892 Route 45, Chestnut Ridge, NY, 10977
Ward 5 – Yeshiva Viznitz, 229 Maple Avenue, Monsey, NY, 10952
Ward 6 – Elmwood Elementary School, 43 Robert Pitt Drive, Monsey, NY 10952
Ward 7 – Ramapo High School, 400 Viola Road, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Ward 8 – Pomona Middle School, 101 Pomona Road, Suffern, NY 10901
Ward 9 – Lime Kiln Elementary School, 35 Lime Kiln Road, Suffern, NY 10901

Residents can locate their East Ramapo polling site here: https://www.ercsd.org/board-of-education-26/budget-vote/wards

The East Ramapo Central School District serves Monsey, Spring Valley, New Square, Wesley Hills, Hillcrest, Pomona, New Hempstead, Kaser, and surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, in the Suffern Central School District, community debate has intensified over the district’s proposed 2026–2027 budget, which includes a 3.48% tax levy increase and a 3.40% overall budget increase compared to last year.

District officials say the increase is necessary due to rising transportation, insurance, operational, and staffing costs, along with the expiration of temporary federal COVID-era funding that previously helped offset expenses.

According to Suffern Central officials, the proposed budget totals approximately $176.3 million. The district says the spending plan is designed to preserve academics, arts, athletics, transportation, student support services, and educational programming throughout the district.

At the same time, residents opposed to the increase have launched a strong grassroots campaign urging voters to reject the proposal, arguing that families are already facing significant financial pressure from rising property taxes and overall living costs.

Flyers and social media graphics circulating throughout Airmont, Suffern, Montebello, Hillburn, Sloatsburg, and Ramapo urge residents to “Vote No” on the budget proposal and encourage higher voter turnout throughout the district.

Polls in the Suffern Central School District are open from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Residents vote at assigned polling sites throughout the district, including:

• Cherry Lane Elementary School
• RP Connor Elementary School
• Sloatsburg Elementary School
• Suffern Middle School
• Hillburn Municipal Building area polling site

Residents can confirm their Suffern Central polling location here: https://lh.findmypollplace.com/SuffernCSD

Board of Education candidates on this year’s ballot include Paul Shapiro and Thomas Donnelly.

Other Rockland County districts also holding school budget votes and Board of Education elections today include Clarkstown, North Rockland, Nyack, Nanuet, Pearl River, and South Orangetown.

Most districts are voting on proposed school budgets, trustee seats, transportation propositions, and capital improvement projects.

Residents are reminded that polling hours and locations vary by district and should verify their designated voting site before heading to the polls.