Tupper Lake School Budget Needs 60% to Pass. Here Is Why.

When Tupper Lake Central School District voters go to the polls on May 19, they are not voting on a normal budget. They are being asked to approve a levy increase that exceeds the state tax cap — which means it needs a supermajority of 60% to pass.

Tupper Lake has 747 students across two schools. The district spends approximately $27,392 per student. The graduation rate ranges from 74.5% to 85% depending on the source — a significant spread the district should be asked to explain.

For Tupper Lake town residents, the 2025-26 tax rate was $17.43 per $1,000 of assessed value. A home assessed at $200,000 paid $3,486 in school taxes. The 2026-27 rate will be set after the vote.

Vote: May 19. Check tlcsd.org for polling location.