Budget Information
THE 2026-2027 BUDGET VOTE AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ELECTION
will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Return Absentee Ballots by 5:00 PM
PROPOSED BUDGET HEARING
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
7:00 PM, Auburn High School Library
WHAT TO VOTE ON:
Proposition #1 School Budget
Proposition # 2 Establish 2026 Capital Reserve Fund
Election of 3 Board Members
If you have any questions about the budget, please do not hesitate to contact the board of education or the superintendent’s office at
(315) 255-8822 or budget@aecsd.education.
(315) 255-8822 or budget@aecsd.education.
2026-2027 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS |
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• The 2026-27 Budget is $111,979,888.00 • The overall budget for 2026-2027 is up 4.34% compared to 2025-26 • Tax Levy Increase of 2.43% |
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Budget Documents:
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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION |
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Francis Calarco My name is Francis “CJ” Calarco. I have lived in Auburn for most of my life aside from going away for undergraduate work at Iona College. I returned to Auburn and worked on my Graduate Degree in education at Le Moyne College. I have since been teaching math at the High School level since 2012, and have coached several sports at different levels. I'm running for reelection to continue to give back to the community that gave me the opportunities to be where I am today, with the experience of a tenured classroom teacher and coach. My goals as a board member are to maintain a common-sense perspective on the education we offer to the kids in our district, to be sure they all get at least the opportunities that the community has afforded me, to continue on the facilities committee to help with preparation of the next capital project to update buildings in great need, and to help improve the climate and culture within the district. |
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| Daniel Lovell Daniel Lovell is a lifelong resident of Cayuga County and an Auburn High graduate. An information technology professional and small business owner who has worked primarily with government, small business and nonprofits, Dan is running for reelection after serving two terms on the Auburn school board. He currently serves as secretary of the Auburn Industrial Development Authority and is a member of the facilities and communications committees for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. He is proud of the board's work during his first term, including hiring a new superintendent, renovations and new furniture for the high school library, providing new instruments for the music program and offering music lessons to fourth graders. He lives in Auburn with his wife Claire and their children, all of whom attended Auburn schools. |
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Bruce MacBain Bruce MacBain has lived in Auburn since 1999, and his 3 children all attended Auburn Schools from pre-K through graduation. He has a Master's Degree in Education from Syracuse University, and has devoted his life to public education. He was a high school social studies teacher for 10 years and a Middle School Principal of an award-winning school for 21 years. He was the New York State Middle School Principal of the Year in 2012. Although retired from his public education career, he continues to teach the Supervision of the Curriculum course in the Educational Leadership Department at Cortland State. He will strive to create a climate where teachers feel supported and inspired, parents feel welcome in participating in their child's education, and students are motivated to come to school because there is so much going on, they don't want to miss it! As someone on a fixed income, he also feels the effects of property tax increases. He will push for the greatest possible educational program at the best cost. |
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Dr. Eliezer Hernández Dr. Eliezer (Eli) Hernández is a servant leader whose work is grounded in faith, justice, and the empowerment of historically marginalized communities. Guided by his commitment to God and community, he views leadership as a calling—one anchored in empathy, service, and an unwavering pursuit of equity. Dr. Hernández began his professional journey as a Spanish teacher in the Auburn Enlarged City School District and later served on the school board for 15 years. His leadership path includes roles as Administrative Intern, Vice Principal, and Principal, and he notably served as the founding principal of a bilingual school in Syracuse, New York. His academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in music, a master’s in education, and a doctorate in Executive Leadership. With more than 25 years of experience in education and community advocacy, he has served in a wide range of roles—from classroom teacher to district leader—and has consistently championed social justice and educational equity. His mission centers on equipping and uplifting leaders who are committed to transformative change. Beyond his work in education, Dr. Hernández is an active civic leader. He serves as President of the Auburn Cayuga County NAACP, sits on the boards of the National Math Foundation and AADUNA, Inc., and previously served as President of the Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education. He is also President of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE) and a member of the New York State Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents (NYSALAS), and a member of the Governor’s Central New York Hate & Bias Prevention Unit Regional Council. At the core of Dr. Hernández’s life is his devotion to faith, family, and service. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, he remains committed to his calling: to lead with love, serve with humility, and inspire others to do the same. |
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Important School Board Election and Budget Vote Information:
Polling Places (Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm):
Casey Park Elementary Legislative District 8
Owasco Elementary School Legislative District 10-1 and portions of Owasco
Seward Elementary School Legislative Districts 10-2, 10-3, & 11 and
portions of Fleming
Auburn Junior High School Legislative District 9
and portions of Sennett
Not sure of where to vote? Please call (315) 255-8850 or (315) 255-8822, or use the link above to look up your polling location by street address.
Look up your polling location here: Not Sure Where to Vote 2025
Look up your polling location here: Not Sure Where to Vote 2025
Absentee Ballots:
Qualified school district voters who are unable to vote in person may vote by absentee ballot. To receive an absentee ballot, individuals must fill out an application for the ballot. An absentee ballot can be downloaded from this page, or you can call (315) 255-8850 or (315) 255-8822 to obtain one.
Complete the application and return it to:
Michelle Major, District Clerk
Harriet Tubman Administration Building
78 Thornton Avenue
Auburn, NY 13021
All Absentee Ballots must be received by Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns about the district's budget, please do not hesitate to contact us at (315) 255-8800.
Announcements
Prospective School Board Member Information
If you are considering running for the AECSD Board of Education, please download the booklet "Running for the School Board" from the New York State School Boards Association. Here you will find what all prospective school board members should know about their eligibility, campaigning, responsibilities and commitment to public education. The English and Spanish versions are under Downloads below.
