On Tuesday, April 16, the JPS Board of Education approved the district’s proposal for a $104,566,897 budget for the 2024-25 school year that includes a 0% increase to the tax levy as well as the creation of a $5 million dollar capital reserve fund that will help the district plan for future capital projects.

“This proposed budget will maintain critical positions that will continue to directly help our students’ social and emotional needs, support our families, as well as directly address the academic impacts of the COVID shutdowns, especially in the areas of English/Language Arts, Reading and Literacy, and mathematics,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent. “We also look forward to beginning upgrades to our playgrounds and continued investment in our physical plant. Paired with upgrades to our transportation fleet, we believe this to be a great budget for the kids of our community.”

Three candidates are also on the ballot to fill three open seats on the district’s board of education — two three-year terms and one term that will expire on June 30, 2025. In order of appearance on the ballot: Frank Galeazzo, Joseph Calimeri, and Nina Karbacka.

The two candidates who receive the most votes will be elected to three-year terms to commence July 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2027. The individual who finishes in third place will be elected to a term that will commence on May 22, 2024 and end on June 30, 2025.

Rhonda-Sue Leonard hugs a teacher at Ring School during the 2023 Senior Walk.

Voters can cast their vote at any of the three polling sites: Jefferson (195 Martin Road), Lincoln (301 Front Street), and Washington (159 Buffalo Street) schools. The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on May 21.

Registered voters who are not able to vote in person on Election Day may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Reasons for voting by absentee ballot include: Absence from county on election day; temporary illness or physical disability; permanent illness or physical disability; duties related to primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled; resident or patient of Veterans Health Administration Hospital or detention in jail/prison, awaiting trial, awaiting action by a grand jury, or in prison for conviction of a crime or offense which was not a felony. Early Voting is also available. Applications for both Absentee or Early Voting can be obtained through the District Clerk, in person, by mail, or by phone. (District Offices, 197 Martin Road, Jamestown, NY, 716-483-4420). Those wishing to receive the ballot by mail must apply by May 14. Absentee ballots must be received in person, or by mail, by 5 p.m. on May 21.

To be eligible to vote in the JPS Budget/Board of Education Election, an individual must be: at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, a resident of the Jamestown City School District for at least 30 days prior to May 21, and a registered voter. If you have a question regarding voter eligibility, please contact the District Clerk at (716) 483-4420.

For more information on the 2024-25 school budget and the board member election, visit jpsny.org/budgetinfo.

Washington Middle School ELA teacher Deb Rein works with students on an assignment.

JHS Carpentry students Jayden Denfrund and Tyler Zwald work on a project at the Innovation Center @ R.R. Rogers School.

JHS seniors perform during the 43rd annual Battle of the Classes fundraiser.

Love School student Koda Nutting leaves a Valentine in his friend’s box.

JHS juniors Leo Tehan, Maddox Knorr, Holden Putney, and Gavin Maggio show some school spirit at Battle of the Classes.

The JHS Marching Band marches down Martin Road during the 2023 Homecoming Parade.