Budget & Board of Education Election Information
On May 19, voters will head to the polls to consider a proposed $22,050,394 budget for the 2026-27 school year. The proposed budget is a 14.48% increase over the current year. Approximately $2,347,321 (12%) of the increase is attributed to the required principal and interest payments for the voter-approved capital project.
The remaining $495,547 (2.5%) increase in the proposed budget is driven by health insurance premiums, contractual cost increases, and the scheduled replacement of a gas-powered school bus. The proposal realizes savings to taxpayers by eliminating one instructional position through attrition and revenue in the form of building aid. The proposal carries a tax levy increase of $118,260, or 2.95%, and is below the current year’s tax levy limit of 7.1%.
The district’s building aid ratio is 97.6%, meaning it receives $0.976 back for each dollar spent on the capital project. Building aid is received in the form of revenue, funding the capital project-related increase in the proposed budget. The remaining portion of capital project expenses not covered by building aid (2.4%) will be paid using existing funds saved in the district’s capital reserve.
Alexa Backus Chase, a Heuvelton native, is the Director of the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in English from Indiana University Bloomington and has completed additional professional training in youth development, mental health awareness, and leadership.
Chase has led the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau since 2020, overseeing countywide youth programming, funding administration, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. Her work includes initiatives in youth leadership, mental health awareness, suicide‑prevention training, and civic engagement. Before joining the county, she spent 27 years in educational management with Huntington Learning Centers as a Center Director and franchise owner.
A graduate of Heuvelton Central School, Chase is completing her first term on the HCS Board of Education. She notes that her board service, professional background in education and youth development, and long‑standing work with students and families have shaped her interest in continuing to contribute to the district.
- A citizen of the United States, at least eighteen years old;
- A resident of the School District for at least 30 days; and
- Must not be prohibited from voting under the provisions of Section 5-106 of the Election Law.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Qualified voters who are unable to personally appear at the polling place may receive an absentee ballot. To request an absentee ballot application, please contact District Clerk Tessa Herron at [email protected] or call (315) 344-2414, ext. 28891.
- Name and resident address, including street and number, and any town and rural delivery route.
- On the day of the election, they will meet the qualifications of a voter.
- That they will be unable to personally appear to vote because they are or will be:
- A patient in a hospital, or unable due to illness or physical disability;
- Out of town because of their duties, occupation, business, or studies;
- On vacation outside the District; or
- Incarcerated.
On September 20, 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law Chapter 481 enacting the New York Early Mail Voter Act. Qualified voters can request an early voting mail ballot application from District Clerk Tessa Herron at [email protected] or call (315) 344-2414, ext. 28891. Completed applications must be received in the District Office at least seven (7) days prior to the election, by May 13, 2025, for ballot mailing. Ballots must be received at the District Office, Heuvelton Central School, 87 Washington Street – PO Box 375, Heuvelton, NY 13654, prior to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
MILITARY BALLOTS
Military ballots may be applied for by qualified voters by requesting an application from District Clerk Tessa Herron at [email protected] or call (315) 344-2414, ext. 28891. Completed applications for military ballots must be received by the Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, fax, or email. An individual will qualify as a military voter if they (1) are a qualified voter of the State of New York, who is in actual military service, and by reason of such military service is absent from the District on the day of the election, or is a voter who is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election; or (2) a spouse, parent, child, or dependent of such service member who is a qualified voter and is absent due to accompanying or being with the military service member. Ballots must be received at the District Office, Heuvelton Central School, 87 Washington Street – PO Box 375, Heuvelton, NY 13654, prior to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
- Passed
- # of yes votes: 85
- # of no votes: 38
- % of approval: 69.1%
- Brent Phillips: 98
- Amy Perkins: 82
2024-25 School Year