Budget and Election 2026-27

Our current $68.7 million capital improvement project approved by voters in December 2022 includes work at all four buildings with improvements across the district in health and safety, educational spaces and facility infrastructure. The large project was split into three phases. If you look around our community, you can see the major outdoor work already done or nearing completion in Phases 1 and 2 including the new bus loop and playcourt improvements at Smallwood Drive Elementary, a new four-classroom UPK addition and playcourt renovation at Windermere Boulevard Elementary, and the multi-sport turf field complex located between Kings Highway and Westmoreland Road. Inside our buildings we have made numerous security enhancements and systems upgrades and auditorium improvements at Smallwood, Windermere and the Middle School.

Due to inflation and escalation of construction costs beyond our control, the work we had planned for Phase 3 can no longer be done within our original budget. Several economic and construction market factors have caused the entire project to incur budgetary increases. We are committed to completing the work we promised our community when they supported the project in December 2022. The Capital Committee was brought together to identify priorities for remaining work in
Phase 3 at the High School which includes:

• Replacing and upgrading the High School heating system from a steam to hot water system
• Updating the High School auditorium theatrical performance systems
• Renovating and reconfiguring the High School gymnasium, vestibule and locker rooms

Authorize an additional $12.5M in expenditures to the existing Capital Improvement Project approved by voters December 2022 for the High School heating system.

Tax impact - $0 tax impact

Proposition 2 is tax neutral and requests an additional $12.5 million authorization to replace the antiquated, inefficient steam boiler system at Amherst Central High School with a new state-of-the-art high efficiency hot water boiler system with digital controls. The high school boiler systems were installed in 1950 and are well beyond their useful life. It has now reached a critical need where repairs cannot be made anymore. This is a high priority project that impacts the health and safety of our staff and students on a day-to-day basis.

Authorize an additional $17M in expenditures to the existing Capital Improvement Project approved by voters December 2022 for updates and renovations to the High School auditorium and south gymnasium/locker rooms.

Proposition 3 has a tax impact of 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and requests an additional $17 million authorization to complete the auditorium theatrical system replacements and the south gymnasium and locker room renovations at Amherst Central High School. Estimated cost on a home assessed at $300,000 is $57. 

Proposition 3 approval is contingent upon approval of Proposition 2. For proposition 3 to move forward, both propositions 2 and 3 must be approved by the voters.

The auditorium and south gymnasium project work is a priority as these large group spaces are used on a consistent basis year-round by our students, staff, families and community members. The high school south gymnasium renovations include replacing the warped gym floor and installing new bleachers. The locker rooms and bathrooms would be updated and configured to create more efficient spaces. The gym vestibule entrance would be updated. The high school auditorium would receive updated rigging, lighting and sound systems similar to improvements already completed in the auditoriums at the two elementary buildings and middle school.

Nominating Petition Requirements PDF

Vote Date: May 20, 2025

Many thanks to our wonderful community for their support.

• Proposition 1: Budget of $81,672,000 - PASSED
  Yes, 465; No, 113
  80.4% approval rating

Elected Board Members: Two candidates receiving the largest number of votes to be elected for three-year terms.

• Nicholas DeMarco, 495
• Lorry Goldhawk, 483

Budget Documents

Budget Newsletter
Budget Book
Budget Public Hearing May 6, 2025

Community Feedback
The Amherst Board of Education values input from our community. Please use this voluntary Community Feedback Form to provide feedback on the budget process to help inform school administrators and the Amherst Board of Education as they plan for next year’s budget.

Vote Date: May 21, 2024

Many thanks to our wonderful community for their support.

• Proposition 1: Budget of $78785,000 - PASSED
  Yes, 853; No, 231
  79.6% approval rating

Elected Board Members: Three candidates receiving the largest number of votes to be elected for three-year terms.

• Lynn Errington, 757
• Gordon Crock, 730
• Paul Steimle, 621
• JoAnne Kukoda-Elnicky, 600

Budget Documents
Budget Newsletter
Budget Book
Budget Public Hearing Presentation - May 7, 2024

Community Feedback
The Amherst Board of Education values input from our community. Please use this voluntary Community Feedback Form to provide feedback on the budget process to help inform school administrators and the Amherst Board of Education as they plan for next year’s budget.