On Tuesday, April 14, the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s proposed $120,898,274 budget for the 2026-27 school year, which includes a 0% increase to the tax levy. The plan reflects a continued commitment to supporting students through strategic investments in instruction, student services, the arts, and school safety — while remaining mindful of the community’s financial impact. The proposed budget also includes several key investments aimed at enhancing the student experience and supporting staff across the district, including expanding classroom support through additional teaching positions at Persell and Washington middle schools, strengthening arts programming with new middle school strings positions and expanded music and art opportunities at Jamestown High School, continued investment in special education and student support services such as occupational and physical therapy and integrated classroom supports, a sustained focus on safety and security through equipment replacement, infrastructure improvements, and staffing support, and the continued growth of the Innovation Center at Rogers School with the addition of an assistant principal and a secretary.

“This proposed budget reflects a balanced approach — maintaining fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in the programs and supports that matter most for our students,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent. “With no increase to the tax levy, we are able to strengthen core instruction at the middle school level, expand access to the arts, and enhance student support services, all while continuing our focus on safety and facility improvements. This plan ensures we are meeting the needs of today’s students while planning responsibly for the future.”

In addition to the proposed budget, voters will consider propositions related to the sale of the Harrison Street property to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities and a library tax increase. More information on the library tax increase is available at prendergastlibrary.org.

THREE RUNNING FOR THREE OPEN BOE SEATS

Christine Schnars

Three candidates are also on the ballot to fill three open seats on the district’s board of education — two three-year terms that will begin in July 2026 and end in June 2029.

Paul Abbott, an incumbent, is seeking his seventh term, having started on the board in July 2008. Mr. Abbott has served as the Board of Education President since 2016. He is a JHS alumnus and graduated from JCC, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He is retired as the Investigative Commander of the Jamestown Police Department and is currently employed by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Abbott and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters: Kelsey, a 2013 JHS graduate and Hannah, a 2017 JHS graduate.

Carmela Proctor is seeking her first term on the Board of Education. A lifelong resident, Proctor retired from Jamestown Public Schools in 2016 after spending 18 years as Principal of Jefferson Middle School. Prior to that, she served 17 years as an elementary special education teacher in the district. A proud graduate of Jamestown High School, she is a member of Zion Covenant Church and the Jamestown Area YMCA. She received her associates degree from Jamestown Community College, her undergraduate degree in special education at SUNY Buffalo State, and her master’s and administrative degrees from SUNY Fredonia.

Christine Schnars, an incumbent, is seeking her fourth term since returning to the board in 2017. She first joined the board in 1987 and has previously served as its president and vice president. She was installed as president of the New York State School Boards Association board of directors in October and serves on the E2CCB Board of Education. She is a past president of the Fletcher PTA and served on the NYSPTA Board of Governors. Schnars, her late husband Jim, and her four children are all JHS alumni. She has five grandchildren currently enrolled in JPS.

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 20.

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 12. Absentee ballots must be received in person, or by mail, by 5 p.m. on May 20.

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 19, 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 2026-27 school budget and the board member election, visit jpsny.org/vote.