Polls are Open: Lake Shore Annual School Budget Vote & Board Election Today
ANGOLA, NY —
The annual Lake Shore Central School District budget vote, vehicle purchase referendum, and Board of Education election is underway today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Polls opened at 9:00 AM and will remain open until 9:00 PM tonight in the District Office Lobby, located at Lake Shore High School, 959 Beach Road, Angola, New York 14006. All community voters are instructed to enter the building through Door #7.
Ballot Proposition 1: 2026-27 Proposed District Budget
District residents are voting on a proposed spending plan of $69,350,011 for the 2026-27 school year. Developed with a strict commitment to academic excellence, student safety, and comprehensive mental health support, this configuration ensures our students maintain access to modern technology, competitive extracurricular opportunities, and vital instructional personnel while preserving our physical facilities.
The proposal carries an anticipated tax levy increase of 1.46%, remaining completely within the statutory New York State tax levy limit. While the District establishes the total levy, final tax bills are determined by municipal assessments and state equalization rates independent of the school budget vote.
Ballot Proposition 2: Fleet Replacement & Safety
The second proposition on the ballot requests authorization to replace high-mileage transport vehicles to ensure the continued safety and structural reliability of our student transportation network and general district logistics. This standard fleet rotation encompasses a 7-passenger gasoline SUV, a 30-passenger gasoline school bus, a 24-passenger bus equipped with 5 wheelchair positions, and a medium-duty truck with a plow and spreader attachment.
The maximum aggregate cost of $491,223.01 is to be raised by a tax upon taxable property. However, due to partial offsets provided by New York State Aid, no tax levy increase is anticipated for Proposition 2.
Board of Education Election
Voters will select two qualified District residents to serve on the Board of Education. The two individuals receiving the highest number of votes at the annual meeting will fill the expired terms of the two current incumbents. These positions carry three-year terms running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Candidates appear on the ballot in the following designated positions:
- Ballot Position #1: Martha Ruh Mangan
- Ballot Position #2: Michael Franey (Incumbent)
- Ballot Position #3: Gary Vassallo
Voter Qualifications & General Logistics
To vote in today's election, an individual must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and a legal resident within the District for a period of 30 days preceding today's vote. Individuals who have not registered to vote in Erie County and who have not previously voted in a school district election must present valid proof of residency, such as a driver's license, non-driver identification card, utility bill, or voter registration card.
Residents living on Seneca Nation territory must satisfy corresponding criteria: they must be at least 18 years old, born in the United States to a member of an Indian tribe or naturalized, and have resided on the Seneca Nation territory for 30 days prior to the election. Territory residents must not be the parent or guardian of Native American students currently educated in the Gowanda Central School District or the Silver Creek Central School District, as those individuals are eligible to vote exclusively in the specific district where their children receive their education.
Support Student Musicians While You Vote
Beginning at 2:30 PM today, the Lake Shore High School Music Department will host its annual Music Boosters Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ fundraiser on the High School Northwest Lawn. Full drive-up service is available for $17 per meal, enabling community members to secure dinner for their households directly on campus on their way to the polling place.