Residents in Franklin Square and Elmont headed to the polls Tuesday to vote on school district budgets and select candidates for school board positions. Both districts approved their proposed spending plans for the upcoming school year.
The proposed district budget for the Franklin Square Union Free School District focused on maintaining student programs, supporting curriculum and instruction, and ensuring long-term financial stability. The proposed $54 million budget passed Tuesday night, with 702 voting yes and 226 voting no.
Patrick Amato, running unopposed, was elected to a Franklin Square School District board seat with 763 votes.
Incumbent Angel Ramos was elected with 694 votes, while Tiffany Capers, an incumbent running unopposed, was re-elected with 906 votes.
Voters in the Sewanhaka Central High School District approved a proposed $278 million budget, with 2,462 voting yes and 1,019 voting no.
Anna McCombs, a current Franklin Square school board member, said in a statement regarding the district’s annual budget vote: “Every vote is powerful as it directly affects local property taxes, staffing levels, class sizes, special education resources and extracurricular activities. A passed budget ensures the maintenance or expansion of programs, while a failed budget typically results in service reductions.”
“Your support is a powerful show of trust in the work we do every day on behalf of the children of Franklin Square,” Franklin Square Superintendent Jared Bloom said in a statement. “Because of your continued partnership, we are able to maintain the staff and programs that make our schools special.”
He said the approved budget will help sustain staffing levels, keep class sizes as low as possible and preserve academic, arts and enrichment opportunities for students.
Bloom also congratulated Patrick Amato on his election to the Board of Education, noting the district looks forward to his service. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Amato to the Board and look forward to his leadership, perspective, and dedication to the children and families of our community,” he said.
In the Sewanhaka Central High School District, Superintendent Regina Agrusa also thanked voters for supporting the 2026–2027 school budget and capital propositions.
“We are grateful for the trust our residents continue to place in our schools and in the work we do on behalf of our students,” Agrusa said.
Marlon C. Small, Elmont’s superintendent, wrote in a statement expressing gratitude for the support of the budget, "Please know that your support is deeply appreciated as it reflects a strong belief in the work our teachers, staff and administrators do each day in support of our students, families, and the wider school community," he wrote. "We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing to strengthen our collaboration in the upcoming school year.
