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2026-2027 Budget Information

2026-2027 Budget Information 

       Meet the Candidates and Budget Hearing: May 12, 2026
in the Comets Library beginning at 5:30pm

     Budget Vote: May 19, 2026 in the Theater Lobby from Noon to 8:00pm
 

 

Proposition No. 1

Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Clinton Central School District, Oneida County, New York, is hereby authorized to expend and there is hereby appropriated, the sum of $34,485,229 estimated by it to be necessary for school purposes for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 and to raise so much thereof as may be necessary by tax on the taxable property in said School District?

Proposition No. 2

Shall the Board of Education (the “Board of Education”) of the Clinton Central School District (the “School District”) be authorized to reconstruct, improve, rehabilitate, repair, furnish and equip the Clinton Elementary School, the Clinton Middle School and the Clinton High School buildings and grounds, including site work, athletic field improvements, and construction of a synthetic turf field with lights and spectator seating adjacent to the High School (the “Project”), at a new combined maximum estimated cost of $18,339,000, which constitutes a $294,000 increase in the maximum estimated cost previously approved by District voters at a special meeting of the District held on December 13, 2022, and to withdraw $294,000 from the School District’s 2019 Capital Reserve Fund to pay for said increase?

What is this proposition about?

This proposition relates to a capital improvement project that voters already approved in December 2022 that included building upgrades and site
improvements throughout the campus. 

What is being asked of voters now?

Voters are being asked to approve a small increase of $294,000 to the total original project cost. 

Why is there an increase?

The District would like to address significant drainage issues on the baseball and softball fields. Wet conditions often render both fields unplayable. In recent years, the District has been unsuccessful in its attempts to mitigate the issue on its own. Additionally, when proposals were sought from sitework contractors to remediate drainage problems, no NYS-approved submissions were received. We are seeking voter approval to access our 2019 Capital Reserve Fund in order to complete drainage improvements and make the fields playable more regularly.

What is the new total cost?

The total cost of the drainage work for both fields should not exceed $294,000. 

 

Will this increase my taxes?

No. The additional cost would be covered by funds already saved in the District’s 2019 Capital Reserve Fund, so there is no additional tax impact.
 

Proposition No. 3

Shall the sum of $365,718 be raised by annual levy of a tax upon the taxable property within the Clinton Central School District for the purpose of funding the Kirkland Town Library

Absentee, early mail or military ballot applications for the May 19, 2026 budget vote and election will be available beginning on April 6 in the Superintendent’s Office. To obtain an application, please call 315-557-2253, or email jscranton@ccs.edu

2026-2027 Budget Newsletter

Board of Education Candidates

Meet Board of Education Incumbent Candidate

Ms. Rachael Clark

RachaelClark (PDF)

I moved to Clinton in 2018 with my husband Justin and my daughter Nora, when Justin accepted a position in the Philosophy department at Hamilton College. Justin and I met in 2001 as undergraduates at the University of Iowa where I was studying vocal performance and music education. Since graduating in 2004, we have lived in Iowa, Michigan, California, Illinois, Utah and now finally New York. I have held teaching credentials in four different states and have held teaching positions in six different districts! After Nora was born in 2015 I took two years off to stay home with her. When I returned to work, it was to a position at Utah State University mentoring and facilitating professional development for arts educators in Northern Utah. 

I found that I enjoyed working in higher education and shortly after moving to Clinton I applied to work at Hamilton. I am currently the programming coordinator for the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center.

Since joining the CCS school board in 2023 I have remained committed to my growth as a board member through active committee service and continuous learning. My work on the Finance and Policy committees, alongside my roles as liaison to the PTA and the CCSD Foundation, has provided me with a comprehensive view of our district’s operations. Additionally, attending the NYSSBA convention last fall allowed me to collaborate with peers statewide, gaining valuable insights into innovative solutions for the challenges facing modern school districts.

I believe my extensive background as a K-12 educator brings a vital perspective to the Clinton School Board. Beyond my commitment as a parent and community member, I offer a broad professional lens shaped by teaching in six diverse districts across the country. From navigating the challenges of an under-resourced rural Michigan school district to working within one of California’s wealthiest districts, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the educational spectrum that informs my decision-making.

I am proud of the work happening at Clinton Central School District and I deeply value my collaborative relationship with both the Board and the administration. As we navigate the challenges facing all districts over the next three years—from declining enrollment and funding constraints to the need to contend with the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence—I am grateful to work alongside respected colleagues who are unwaveringly committed to making our district the best possible environment for our children.

Meet Board of Education Incumbent Candidate

Mr. Patrick LaVeck

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My family and I have proudly called Clinton home for nearly a decade, and it continues to be the right place for us. Before moving here, we lived in Maryland for ten years. I grew up in Northeast Ohio, attending public schools, before heading to college. I earned my undergraduate degree in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C., and later received my law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Professionally, I work as an attorney for a technology company.

My wife and I are raising three children in the Clinton school district. Like many families here, much of our time is centered around school and activities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching my kids’ sports teams and getting to know so many great kids and families throughout our community.

I will continue to focus on maintaining strong academic standards and supporting student achievement at every level, while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration among teachers, parents, administrators, and the broader community. I also remain committed to responsible, transparent budgeting that ensures resources are used effectively.

Clinton’s public schools are one of our community’s greatest strengths, reflecting not only academic excellence but also a commitment to developing well-rounded, compassionate, and prepared young people. That’s something worth protecting and building on for today’s students and for those who will follow.

Meet Board of Education Incumbent Candidate

Mr. Sam Catterson

I was elected to the school board for the first time in 2018, and have been reelected twice over the last 8 years.  During my time on the board I pushed for greater accountability for administration and greater support for students and teachers.  I am not afraid to ask the hard questions, and I don’t believe the purpose of the school board is to show up and vote yes.  I have consistently pushed our board to do our business in public and to have meaningful discussions during board meetings.  As a member of this board I will continue to represent the community and to ask the questions that I hear parents asking, with the hope to move our district in a positive direction.  

 I grew up in Clinton and graduated from CCS in 2001.  I have two children Quinn and Ryder, currently in 8th grade and 5th grade.  During my time on the board I have served on the facilities, finance, and safety committees, as well as serving as the board liaison to the Education Foundation and the PTA.  I think the board's most successful work during my time serving has been our successful hiring process for Superintendent and all of our Building principals in the past few years, and our capital projects that have effectively updated our buildings and facilities with minimal costs for taxpayers.  I am very proud that our district now offers a Pre K program and a summer bridge program.  Both of these additions will meaningfully improve academic outcomes for our students.  I am happy to report that our current school board is made up of parents who ask meaningful questions, and bring great new ideas to the table.  I am excited to be a part of this board for another term.