Do you have questions about the capital improvement proposals on the Red Hook Central School District’s ballot this May?
Want to learn more about new programs and initiatives like the Winners Circle Project and International Baccalaureate classes?
Are you interested to try food samples from local farmers and vendors used daily in school lunches?
Then you’re in luck: You can find all of it and more at Red Hook’s annual Budget Expo on May 7.
The expo, which this year will be held 5:30 p.m. at Mill Road Elementary School, is an opportunity to interact with district staff, students and administrators and experience many of the great programs that make Red Hook unique. And, while parents learn more about what happens inside each school, children can enjoy the recreational facilities our elementary building has to offer.
The expo is held each year in advance of the district budget and Board of Education vote on May 19. The Board’s official budget hearing will follow the expo at 7 p.m., where the candidates for the Board will speak.
This year’s expo also includes an additional element: an inaugural Farm to School Showcase. Food Services Director Sam Pride has invited dozens of local farmers and food vendors – some he uses in school meals and others he is considering – to attend the showcase to share samples of their products and speak with attendees. Students will even be able to vote on which of the foods should be included on the menu.
The ballot for the May 19 vote includes two capital improvement projects:

• Proposition No. 2 is asking residents to allow the district to spend up to $1.16 million for necessary upgrades to Red Hook High School’s technology classrooms to facilitate the planned welding career and technical education pathway program.
• Proposition No. 3 is a $14.725 project to renovate and expand the district’s existing bus garage at Linden Avenue Middle School.

Attendees will be able to learn more and ask questions about both, as well as the rest of the items on the ballot.
In addition, Technology teacher Steve Hutman will be on hand to discuss the launch of the Winners Circle Project at Red Hook High School, which would be supported by this year’s budget proposal. The program spans three new classes in which students gain the technical, business, marketing and graphic design skills to act as a real auto racing team.
“Between the new opportunities to build skills through Winners Circle and technology classes, our STEAM facilities and our growing IB program, it’s an exciting time to be in the Red Hook district,” Superintendent of Schools Janet Warden said. “We look forward to welcoming families and residents into our district to show the amazing ways in which we’ve grown through their support.”