Budget Information
The 2025-2026 Budget Vote and School Board Member Election
Budget and Emergency Project Passed: Thank You for Supporting Our Students & Educators
Dear Auburn Families,
We are deeply grateful to all of the voters who supported this year’s school budget and emergency construction project. Your participation and confidence in our district help ensure we can continue providing high-quality education and vital programs for our students. Your support reflects our shared commitment to the success, well-being, and future of every child in our community.
Thank you for being a partner in education and supporting our future.
Sincerely,
Auburn Enlarged City School District & Board of Education
Proposition 1: Yes, 1195, No, 808
Proposition 2: Yes, 1374, No 614
School Board (top 4 elected)
James Van Arsdale: 1251
Jason Horbal: 1221
Danielle Wood: 1111
Daniel Lovell: 901
William Andre: 859
Frederick Cornelius: 647
Hannah van der Werff: 539
2025-2026 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS |
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• The 2025-26 Budget is $107,323,677 • The overall budget for 2025-2026 is up 2.8% compared to 2024-25 • Tax Levy Increase of 3.25% |
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Budget Documents:
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Meet the 2025-2026 School Board Candidates
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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 businesses, and nonprofits. Dan is running for reelection after serving his first term 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. |
 Frederick Cornelius |
Frederick Cornelius is a retired professional police officer with 27 years of experience with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office. He held the rank of Detective Lieutenant when he retired in 2022. Since that time, he has been a Licensed Private Investigator and founded Curiosity Investigations LLC, specializing in criminal defense investigations. Prior to his time with the Sheriff’s Office, he proudly served his country for 6 years in the United States Air Force serving as a Non-commissioned Officer in the USAF Security Police. He has four adult children and eight grandchildren, six of whom are students of the Auburn School District. He was elected to the Auburn Board of Education in 2006. He again joined the Auburn Board of Education in 2015 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He was elected in 2016 and served on the board for an additional 3 years. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Cayuga Community College since 2015 and currently serves as President of the Part Time Faculty Association of CCC which represents the Adjunct Faculty and other part-time employees of the College. |
 Danielle Wood |
Danielle Wood I feel fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education for the last six years. Throughout my tenure, I have continued being committed to ensuring all students have the tools they need to be successful learners and contribute to our community into adulthood. I am proud that we have made gains in our efforts for proper state funding. The addition and maintenance of positions that ensure proper student supported safety has been impactful in our buildings. Advocating for both staff and students while promoting a positive, nurturing getting for all will always remain a top priority. Over the last ten years, volunteer efforts district-wide, at Herman Ave Elementary, and the YMCA, have provided me with ample insight and experience to continue serving our district. I have a small business and am employed as a Preschool Assistant at the YMCA. An Auburn graduate, I have three children, Kellan (12), Ailey (10), and Marlowe (8). |
 Jason Horbal |
Jason Horbal I am a proud graduate of AHS Class of 2002. I reside in Auburn with my wife Kate and 2 children, Jaynie (9) and Max (6) who are both enrolled at Herman Ave Elementary School. Over the past 5 years I have been involved in coaching youth soccer and baseball along with being an active constituent of the Parent District Council Meetings held within the school district. Being an active member of the community and the district. I understand the challenges the school faces and will strive for academic excellence of all students. My main priorities include supporting teachers and staff with the resources they need to be successful educators and mentors, being an advocate for transparency and open communication between the Board of Education and the community, promoting equal opportunities for all students regardless of their background or their ability, and being an advocate for responsible spending of tax payers money. I do believe if the parents, staff, educators, and community members work together we can create a safe and educational environment that will allow all of our students succeed and receive a quality education. I am running to be your voice on the school board and to help guide our schools to a brighter and sustainable future. |
 Jim Van Arsdale |
Jim Van Arsdale It is a mix of life and professional experiences that give me the desire to serve as a board member in the Auburn Enlarged School District. I have been committed to doing my best in our community to help provide as many positive and uplifting experiences for all our youth. My wife Lisa and I are blessed with 2 daughters, Jennifer and Nicole, both Auburn graduates. I believe our school system plays a vital role in creating these opportunities. Our schools are the community’s biggest financial and human investment we make together. I would like to be part of the team that moves education forward in Auburn. With that as my purpose, I ask for your vote for the school board this May. |
 Hannah van der Werff |
Hannah van der Werff I’m a proud mom of two wonderful girls in the Auburn Enlarged City School District. For the past 20 years, my family and I have called this community home – and I care deeply about the future of our schools. I currently serve as a Senior Clerk for Cayuga County, where I’ve built a career grounded in responsibility, service, and attention to detail. I love helping clients in the community as much as I can. As a parent, a public servant, and a long-time resident, I understand the importance of strong schools, supportive teachers, and making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. I’m running for the school board because I want to give back to the district that’s given so much to my children. I believe in listening, working together, and always putting students first. I would be honored to earn your support. Together, let’s build a stronger future for our children. |
 Bill Andre |
Bill Andre resides in the city of Auburn with his wife Christine. He has 4 grown children who all graduated from Auburn High School and 2 step-children. He is a high school graduate, attended Cayuga Community College and has certificates from the National Labor College, He is also Auburn's board member for Cayuga Onondaga BOCES, a member of Auburn Industrial Development Authority, Cayuga Cortland Workforce Investment board, President of the Cayuga Labor Council, Vice President of the CNY Area Labor Federation, and a board member of the Rochester Genesee Valley Labor Federation. He has previously served the Auburn School Board for 21 years and has attended many trainings, while also serving on numerous other board committees. |
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.
All Absentee Ballots must be received by Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 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.
