Budget and Election

To qualify as a voter, a person must be:

• a citizen of the United States
• at least 18 years old
• a resident of Amherst Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote. (Education Law § 2012)

Apartment dwellers who meet these qualifications are eligible. No prior registration is required and residents do not have to be registered voters. (Education Law § 2012)

The Amherst Board of Education and administration values input from our community. We have created a voluntary Community Feedback Form as a way to gather information from the community to help inform school administrators and the Amherst Board of Education as they plan for next year’s budget.  

Feedback Form

As of April 1, 2027, applications for early mail and absentee ballots for the Budget Vote and Election of board members may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk.  Completed early mail and absentee ballot applications due May 11, 2027.

A list of all persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk's office five (5) days prior to the day of the election  and such list will also be provided at the polling place on the day of the Budget Vote and Election. 

If you are a qualified voter of the Amherst Central School District, or will be on the date of the Budget Vote and Election, over 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and have or will have resided in the Amherst Central School District for 30 days preceding the Budget Vote and Election you may request an application for an absentee ballot or an early mail ballot. 

You may request an absentee ballot for the following reasons:

• Patient in hospital or due to illness or physical disability, or duties related to the primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled; 
• Applicant detained in jail awaiting action by a grand jury or awaiting trial or confined in jail or prison after a conviction for an offense other than a felony; 
• Applicant will be absent from their county of residence. 

Please contact the District Clerk for an application for an absentee ballot or early mail ballot at 716-362-3051.

Vote Date: May 19, 2026

Many thanks to our wonderful community for their support.

Proposition 1: Budget of $87,091,000
Yes, 610; No, 165     

Proposition 2: Authorize an additional $12.5M in expenditures to the existing Capital Improvement Project approved by voters December 2022 for the High School heating system.
Yes, 632; No, 149

Proposition 3: 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 approval is contingent upon approval of Proposition 2.
Yes, 580; No, 202

Elected Board Members: 

• Jessica McLaughlin ,652 
• Maryjane Metzen, 603
• Daniel Weinstein, 589

2026-27 Budget Newsletter

2026-27 Budget Hearing - 5-6-26

2026-27 Budget Book

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 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.