District voters will have the opportunity to approve the Jamestown Public Schools budget and vote for three members of the district’s board of education on Tuesday, May 21.

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 no increase in 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.”

A budget hearing will take place on Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at Persell Middle School.

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 is seeking his second full term on the Board of Education. He currently serves on the board’s Policy and Finance committees. Galeazzo and his wife, Elizabeth, have been Jamestown residents for 20 years and have two children: Bradley, a 2022 Jamestown High School graduate, and Ashlyn, a junior at Jamestown High School. Galeazzo is a graduate of SUNY Alfred State and is currently the Information Services Manager at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities. He was previously involved in local and regional PTA organizations.

“I am seeking re-election to my seat on the Jamestown School Board to continue to share my leadership skills and to steer the district in the positive direction it’s already heading,” Galeazzo said. “I also want to ensure the students of Jamestown Public Schools have the opportunities to excel in everything they do by providing the best education and programs possible.”

Joseph Calimeri is seeking his first full term on the Board of Education. Calimeri, a 2003 JHS graduate, was appointed to fill a temporary vacancy on the board in March. He has served as partner at Wright Calimeri, PLLC since 2017 after joining Wright Wright & Hampton in 2011. Calimeri holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo and a law degree from Ohio North University College of Law. He resides in the city with his wife Leslie and children Sam, a sophomore at JHS, and George, a UPK student at Lincoln Elementary School.

“JPS provides endless opportunities for its students and has first-class faculty and staff,” Calimeri said. “I am a proud graduate of Jamestown High School and have two children currently enrolled in JPS. I hope to continue working with the Board to help ensure that all students are provided with opportunity and resources to receive a high-quality education and become proud members of our community.”

Nina Karbacka is seeking her fourth term on the Board of Education. Karbacka holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia and 41 years of teaching experience, at all grade levels, in the Jamestown Public Schools. She is the president of the advisory committee for NYS Association of Small City School Districts, which gives her the opportunity to represent the community to legislators, and the NYS Commissioner, to promote funding and awareness for Jamestown schools. Karbacka has been an active volunteer and currently serves as president of the board of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony and on the board of the Western NY Chamber Orchestra.

“My goal is a complete education for every student, rich in experiences in music, arts, sports, rigorous academics, and career opportunities to ensure the success and graduation of every child,” said Karbacka. “I hope to continue to serve as a voice for the children and families of Jamestown Public Schools.”

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.

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.