Carmel Central School District P.T.A. Candidates Forum May 12, 2026

The Carmel Central School District Board of Education held a candidates forum on May 12, 2026, featuring five candidates vying for two open board seats. The forum included discussions on the district's historic school budget, which features a slight tax decrease, and various policy and operational issues affecting the district. Candidates addressed topics such as the role of the Board of Education, the balance of influence with the teachers association, measurable outcomes for their terms, board culture, political disagreements, communication with the community, infrastructure improvements, teacher salaries, budget priorities, athletic program support, special education compliance, school nutrition, and the impact of New York State's unfunded mandate on electric buses. While no specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the forum, candidates emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement in budget and policy decisions. The forum served as a platform for voters to assess candidates' positions ahead of the May 19th election, which also includes a vote on the school budget.