Editor’s Note: We are waiting for final official numbers but multiple sources indicate that these are the clear results of the Croton-Harmon school board election. We will update this story soon and publish a commentary tomorrow.
Update: We have now received the official press release from the district, which we are copying below. The final numbers are not yet official, but we can say that Anamika Bhatnagar and Jake Day were very close, Betsy Laird next, and that Sarah Carrier and Neal Haber received many fewer votes.
CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY, May 19, 2026 -- The Croton-Harmon Union Free School District announced today that the 2026-27 budget presented to the community was approved by a significant margin with 1269 YES votes and 310 NO votes. The $62,762,808 budget is within the allowable tax cap, with a 2.19% tax levy increase and an overall budget increase of 2.90%. The community also approved each of the ballot propositions:
● Vehicle Proposition: Approved the purchase of one (1) 66-passenger diesel school bus, one (1) 20-30 passenger gas/diesel powered school bus, and one (1) SUV hybrid vehicle at an estimated aggregate cost of $380,000. This aggregate cost is funded entirely from current-year general fund appropriations transferred to the capital fund, resulting in no impact on the tax levy.
● Repair Reserve Proposition: Authorized the allocation of $300,000 into the Repair Reserve Fund from the 2025-2026 unassigned fund balance for non-recurring repairs of capital improvements or equipment, carrying no impact on the tax levy.
● Croton Free Library Proposition: Approved a separate tax levy in the amount of $1,526,158 to support the Croton Free Library.
Superintendent Stephen Walker thanked the community for its participation in this year’s budget vote and support of the district’s 2026-27 spending plan.
“We are grateful for the community’s support of a budget that continues to invest in the experiences, opportunities, and learning environments that help our students thrive,” said Superintendent Stephen Walker. “Thank you for supporting a plan that helps ensure all Tigers can learn, grow, and pursue their passions.”
NOTE: Results remain unofficial until all votes are verified.
We are also pleased to announce that voters chose the three trustees on the ballot, each of whom will serve a three-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. They are Anamika Bhatnagar, Jacob Day and Elizabeth Laird.
On behalf of the CHUFSD Board of Education, President Ana Teague expressed her gratitude to the community for participating in the budget process and for taking the time to vote.
“One of the strengths of Croton-Harmon is the ongoing dialogue and partnership between the community and the Board of Education,” said Board of Education President Ana Teague. “Thank you to everyone who engaged in this process and helped support a budget that reflects our shared commitment to students and schools.”
NOTE: Results remain unofficial until all votes are verified.
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