Public schools are among the most significant investments that any community makes collectively. District leaders work to make the most effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner, and to be accountable to taxpayers.
Each spring the Board of Education adopts a budget for the coming school year with a community vote, which is typically held on the third Tuesday in May.
Operating Budget
2025-2026 Budget Overview
Total Budget: $43,1229,127
Spending Increase: 5%
Tax Levy Increase: 3%
Budget Development Process
Under New York law, the school budget vote and election occur on the third Tuesday in May, unless a district files a request with the commissioner of education to move the date to the second Tuesday in May based upon a conflict with a religious observance. School district Boards of Education work to develop a budget throughout the school year.
View the 2025 Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election timeline as determined by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Tax Collection
Potsdam CSD taxes are collected at Potsdam Town Hall (18 Elm Street – Potsdam, NY) beginning September 1 and ending October 31. Checks should be made payable to: Cindy Goliber, Tax Collector.
Office hours at Potsdam Town Hall are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. After-hours payments may be placed in the drop box at the front of the Town Hall building.
- Payments in full without penalty or first installment payments must be paid on or before September 30 (add 1% interest in October).
- The second installment is due on or before October 31st.
- From November 1 – November 30, all payments must made to the St. Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office.
St. Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Voting Information
The next Annual School Budget Vote/Board of Education Election will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in the High School Auditorium.
If you have a specific question regarding the Annual Budget Vote/Board Candidate Election, please contact District Clerk Ms. Davida M. Martin via email or by calling (315) 265-2000 x 36733 on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
View Policy 2120.2: Voting Procedures.
Voter Eligibility
A person shall be entitled to vote in any school district election and in all matters placed upon the official ballot, if such person is:
- A citizen of the United States;
- At least 18 years of age;
- A resident within the school district for a period of 30 days next preceding the election at which such person desires to vote;
- Qualified to register or is registered to vote in accord with Section 5-106 of the Election Law which excludes:
- Convicted felons who have not been pardoned or had their rights of citizenship restored, those whose maximum sentence of imprisonment has not expired; and/or those who have not been discharged from parole;
- Persons adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.
Challenges to voters believed unqualified to vote may be undertaken pursuant to Education Law provisions. Each annual or special election or meeting shall have a presiding chairman appointed by the Board. Such chairman shall have the responsibility of properly handling any challenges to the qualification of any voter.
Absentee Ballots
The Board provides for the use of absentee ballots for voting. Such ballots shall be available for the election of members of the Board of Education, the adoption of the school district budget, and on questions and propositions submitted to the voters of the district. The application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter; or the application must be received by the day before the election, if the ballot is to be personally delivered. The application must be completed and returned, and the individual must verify therein that he/she meets all voting requirements, and explain the reason for his/her inability to appear in person to vote.
In particular, the individual must explain that he/she will be unable to appear to vote in person on the day of the school district election because:
- He/she will be a patient in a hospital, or unable to appear personally at the polling place on such day because of illness or physical disability;
- His/her duties, occupation, business, or studies will require him/her to be outside of the county or city of his/her residence on such day;
- He/she will be on vacation outside the county or city of his/her residence on such day; or
- He/she will be detained in jail awaiting action by a grand jury; awaiting trial; or is confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.
The district shall request registration lists from the Board of Elections for those voters whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” and shall automatically mail absentee ballots to such voters in advance of each district vote or election.
View Policy 2120.2-E: Application for Absentee Ballot.
Military Ballots
Military voters unable to vote in person due to their service can utilize absentee ballots. This ensures your voice is heard no matter where your duties take you.
Departments & Services Links
School Business Office
Business Manager: Laura Hart
Phone: (315) 265-2000 x 36721
New York State Star
STAR is New York State’s School Tax Relief Program that provides a partial property tax exemption from the school taxes to eligible homeowners.
Register for Star
To register for the STAR Program online, visit the STAR Resource Center on the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website.
To register by phone, call the STAR Program directly at (518) 457-2036.
View more Information about registering for the STAR Tax Credit.
Fiscal Transparency
Visit the Fiscal Transparency page to view local audits, state audits and school spending reports.