Salem School Election and Through the Decades
New Poll: Will You Vote Tomorrow?
We’re still working on our print editions but for timeliness purposes, here are Salem Press Editor Jan Baxter’s articles on the Salem school election.
All area school budget votes are tomorrow, and some districts, like Salem, have competitive board elections. Consult your local school district web site for more details.
Four Vie for Two Seats
The Salem Central School Board of Education has two open seats being put to voters on Tuesday, May 19. Two of the candidates, Anne Dunigan and Thomas Clary, are running for re-election to the Board. Two new candidates, Mike Mugits and Margo Hatzel, have come forward seeking election.
The Salem Press offered the four candidates the opportunity to make their views and backgrounds known to the voters by asking them five questions relating to their candidacy, the Board, and the school district.
While learning a valuable lesson to never ask a candidate to elaborate on answers, only two of the thoughtful, interesting replies to these questions are printed (in excepts) below. All five of the questions and their full answers deserve to be read in their entirety and can be found at tinyurl.com/SalemPressCandidates.
In the interest of brevity for the newspaper, the candidate names before their answers are shortened to their initials: Thomas Clary (TC), Anne Dunigan (AD), Mike Mugits (MM), and Margo Hatzel (MH). The Salem Press questions will begin with SP.
We begin with SP: “In one sentence, what would you like voters to know about your candidacy for the School Board?”
TC: My platform is based on transparency and inclusiveness, as it is about “we” rather than “me.”
AD: I am seeking reelection to the school board because I still have the drive to serve my community, my passion for education and student success is still strong, and I have learned and gained valuable experience; I remain committed to working to maintain the best education programs here at Salem Central School.
MM: Our community and school owe all children the future they deserve.
MH: I’m a Salem parent who’s thinking ten years ahead, and I’ll work every day to make sure this district is ready for the kids who are counting on it.
SP: What do you believe are your top three qualifications to represent the school district on the Board of Education?
TC: To start, you have to remember that our role is clearly defined as individuals elected to represent the community. For one, one member gets one vote. (Note: complete answer: tinyurl.com/SalemPressCandidates.)
Independence – you must be able to think, research, analyze on your own. A board member that cannot do these things is a hindrance, plain and simple. We only have 5 members; we all must carry weight.
Governance = Guardrails – The BOE must support the Superintendent (often 1st timers and inexperienced, here at Salem) and build bridges with the community. Ultimately, the community decides our school’s future. Therefore, I believe that governance without reasonable guardrails fails because the community loses trust. We must take on this dual role by establishing clear and reasonable guardrails to establish trust. Additionally, our Superintendent’s are highly qualified professionals. They simply want to know how to succeed. Know the guardrails and they will ensure that success happens. Clear and reasonable guardrails are welcomed by both community and administration, and governance cannot be called governance without them.
Transparency – Being on the school board is a complex dynamic. You must be comfortable with conflict. You cannot shove your opinion down the throats of others, as viewpoint discrimination is real. And you can never underestimate people; expect the unexpected. With that said, it will be incredibly difficult to succeed if these things are difficult for you. No matter what, you must reference your values and platform to build bridges and to get to the best possible result. That is the only way.
AD: My primary focus is on students. I am dedicated to working towards our district’s vision with high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and programs. I am data-driven, utilizing data to identify needs, assess progress, and justify my decisions. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members and the administration to ensure that the district’s mission remains our top priority. I am also committed to my own continuous learning.
Over my time on the board, I have learned the difference between board-level work and staf work. Staying focused on board-level work helps us take actions that directly impact student achievement and opportunities.
MM: 1. I understand the role and impact of public schools on the community they serve. The performance and perception of the school influences the quality of life within our community. The Board’s goal for the district must be to operate in a manner and at a level that persuades taxpayers that their investment of funds in the school is worthwhile and sustainable.
2. I possess school experience and expertise in school improvement. I served 35 years in school leadership as an award-winning principal (elementary, junior high, and secondary levels) and five years as a superintendent. During that time, I was invited throughout the country and abroad to deliver presentations and workshops on the subject of school improvement. I have also published work on this issue.
3. Commitment to the Salem community and public schooling. I presently serve on the Salem Economic Development Council and the Salem Historic Preservation Commission. I am an active member of the Salem Rotary, a service organization supporting several initiatives to support the community. I volunteer at the Bancroft Library, the Historic Salem Courthouse, and tutor adult English Language Learners. (Note: complete answer: tinyurl.com/SalemPressCandidates.)
MH: First, my professional background in administration and operations — I’ve spent years managing complex workflows, coordinating between organizations, and making sure things get done accurately and on time. That kind of discipline translates directly to the work of a board member. Second, my experience working with families. Through my work at the YMCA I’ve spent years building relationships with people from all walks of life, listening to their needs, and communicating clearly in ways that actually reach them. Third, and maybe most importantly — perspective. I’m a new parent with a ten-month-old son, which means I’m not thinking about what Salem’s schools look like today. I’m thinking about what they need to look like in ten years. That long-term investment shapes everything about how I’d approach this role.
While these questions only are the beginning of the candidates’ answers, the other questions posed and answered by all are below and can be found at: tinyurl.com/SalemPressCandidates.
-How long have you lived in the Salem School District and do you, or have you had, children attending SCS?
-How will you communicate with the Salem Central School District about matters discussed at and in Board meetings? Do you feel it is a School Board member’s responsibility to relay information to the district or do you feel the district members have adequate means to learn of School Board activities, i.e., school website, YouTube videos of Board meetings, newspaper articles. Please elaborate.
-If elected, what, if anything, would you most like to see changed or expanded on within the district? How do you propose facilitating change or strengthening programs you believe should be expanded within your role as a Board member?
With the School Board openings about to be voted on, the Salem Press urges voters to take the time to read the candidates answers when considering their qualifications to serve on the Board of Elections.
The voting on the Board seats and the 2026-2027 School Budget is Tuesday, May 19 with polls open from 8am to 8pm. Voters are urged to use the entrance to the school at the circular driveway off of Warren Street.
Salem School Budget Vote
The Salem Central School District Budget goes to vote on Tuesday, May 19. If the budget passes, an anticipated 2.65% property tax is expected.
The total proposed budget is approximately $17.87 million, with Programs comprising about 75%, Capital 18%, and Administrative 7%. Major expenses include instructional staff, transportation, employee benefits, and capital projects such as bus purchases and security upgrades.
Considerations in the budget: The District’s tax levy limit is set at 2.65%, based on (according to the materials on the SCS website) a complex formula considering prior levy, growth factors, exemptions, and PILOTs. Exclusions for capital debt, bus leases, and capital outlay projects are factored into the limit.
Capital Budget and projects: Capital projects include. Bus purchases via serial bonds, security upgrades, and Building maintenance. The serial bonds for buses will be repaid over five years, with state aid covering 88.6% of the costs.
In addition to the two Board of Education seats being voted upon, there are three budget propositions that are being put before voters on May 19:
Proposition 1: Proposition 1 approves $17.87 million budget with a 2.65% tax increase.
Proposition 2 : Increases Salem Bancroft Public Library funding by $7,000.
Proposition 3: Proposition 3 authorizes purchasing 3 buses for up to $575,000, financed through bonds.
Proposed 2026-27 Budget At-A-Glance
Total Budget: $17,870,287
Budget Increase: $636,434 / 3.69%
Tax Levy Increase: 2.65%
Current 2025-26 Operating Budget:
Total Budget: $17,233,853
Tax Levy Increase: 8%
Detailed information on the 2026-2027 Budget can be found on the Salem Central School website at salemcsd.org/page/2026-2027-school-budget-and-election.
Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm in High School Room 418. Voters should access the school by using the circle entrance on Warren Street.
Here’s a new poll…
And the results, so far, of yesterday’s poll. It seems that garage sale weekends may be a bit overhyped!
Through the Decades
100 Years Ago
May 26, 1926
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM QUITS LEAGUE CONTESTS
Controversy Over Eligibility of Players Results in Disbanding of Fast Local Organization.
The Greenwich high school baseball team, champions of the league last season and formidable contenders against the strongest teams in the league this year, has probably played its last league game for this season. Coach Crowley in conference with Principal Benedict this week decided that in view of the controversy which had arisen among some of the teams of the league that the interests of athletics in the school would be better served by withdrawing from further league contests.
The controversy appears to have arisen from charges made by other teams that Holbrook, star pitcher for Greenwich, had forfeited his amateur standing. Greenwich supporters do not admit that these charges are well founded and say that such outside playing as Holbrook did last year was within the intent of the rules under which the league operates.
The high school team played a non-league game last Saturday with Cambridge, defeating them by a score of 14 to 2.
69 Years Ago
May 29, 1957
Village of Greenwich Now Owns Water System
The village of Greenwich accepted ownership of the Greenwich Water Works company Monday evening, when the company officially turned over its property to the village. The company is receiving $166,000 for the water system.
Now the village owns its own water system and it will be administered by the water commission, named earlier this year by the village board. The commission is made up of three unpaid members, Lewis G. Collins, George D. Daisy and Paul Schmelzer.
Ever since it was appointed, the commission has been planning for the transfer of the property. At the present time the members report that the operation of the water system will continue much as it has in the past, with the same personnel, the same method of billing, etc. The commission plans from time to time to report to the public through news stories.
50 Years Ago
May 27, 1976
Yarter Arrested
Kenneth Yarter of Cossayuna, accused of the rape and murder of Susan Zanta of Schenectady two years ago, was put back in jail last week. He had been freed on $80,000 bail, but last Tuesday night he was arrested again for allegedly pushing a Glens Falls man out of a third-floor window.
Glens Falls police arrested Yarter, charging him with reckless endangerment in the second degree, menacing, and seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance.
He appeared before Glens Falls Judge Robert Kafin last Thursday, with his attorney, John McMahon, and pleaded not guilty to all three charges. He was remanded to Warren County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. The attorney asked Judge Kafin for a two-week adjournment on the possession charges, so that he could permit motions.
The judge set Wednesday, June 2, as the date for a trial on the endangerment and menacing charges, and set Tuesday, June 8, as a deadline for motions on the other charge.
According to Washington County District Attorney Philip Berke, if Yarter is convicted on any of the charges he faces in Glens Falls, he will request Washington County Judge Julian V.D. Orton to revoke bail on the murder charge.
49 Years Ago
May 26, 1977
Turn Law Abused by Few
The state’s new right-turn-on-red law is observed properly by a great majority of drivers, but more caution is still needed, Commissioner Raymond T. Schuler of the Department of Transportation reports.
Mr. Schuler says that a study revealed that 70 per cent of motorists make the right turns properly.
“However,” he pointed out, “25 per cent only slow down or hesitate.”
“The remaining five per cent,” Mr. Schuler noted, “turn as if they had a green light.”
And Now for the Comics … ‘Broom Hilda’ by Russell Myers
More tomorrow!