Gowanda Central School District residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to vote on the proposed 2026-27 school budget and elect representatives to the Board of Education. This annual vote is a critical opportunity for our community to shape the future of our students and our schools.
🗳️ Election Day Logistics
- Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Middle School Library
- Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, 18+ years old, and a resident for at least 30 days. Proof of residency is required.
On the Ballot: Four Propositions
Proposition No. 1: 2026-27 Basic Budget
The proposed $40,655,630 budget focuses on maintaining high-quality academic programs and student mental health services. The plan includes a 1.2% tax levy increase, which remains significantly below the state’s 3.96% tax cap. For a home assessed at $100,000, this represents an estimated increase of $11.25 for the year.
Proposition No. 2: Purchase of Four School Buses
This authorizes the purchase of four 66-passenger buses at a cost not to exceed $694,747.16. These will be funded via the Vehicle Purchase Reserve Fund, meaning this purchase will have no effect on the 2026-27 tax rate.
Proposition No. 3: Capital Improvements Reserve Fund
This proposition seeks to establish a new reserve fund to save for future building renovations and site improvements. The fund is limited to $10,000,000 over a 10-year period.
Proposition No. 4: Local Library Appropriation
Voters will consider a 5% increase for the Gowanda Free Library ($64,452.78 total). This is a pass-through tax that does not impact the school district’s operating budget or tax rate.
Board of Education Candidates
Three candidates are running for two available seats, each carrying a three-year term:
- Zachary Nobles: Incumbent board member and 15-year resident. EHS Officer at BECC Electric.
- Brandon Newell: 4-year resident and Army National Guard member. Board member for American Legion Post 409.
- Aimee Gernatt: 13-year resident and Principal Account Clerk at North Collins CSD with 10+ years of school finance experience.
Absentee Ballot Deadlines
If you are unable to vote in person, please note the following deadlines for the absentee process:
- May 18: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot if the ballot is to be picked up in person.
- May 19 (5:00 PM): Deadline for all absentee ballots to be received by the District Clerk.
For more information, please contact District Clerk Kathy Ferneza at (716) 532-3325 ext. 6300.