Nyack, May 15 — Voters elected two new school board members tonight and passed the yearly budget with almost 8 of 10 voters voting yes.
When the new board is reorganized in July, sitting trustees will be welcome two new faces while saying goodbye to a 12 year veteran. Dan Kaplan and Karen Hughes will join the board. Incumbent Claudette Clarke finished third in the race for two open seats.
“I really appreciate that the community came out to show strong support for the budget, which supports our children and their future,” said Kaplan. “I would also like to thank everyone who voted, whether they supported me or not, and I look forward to serving and working with the entire community. I would like to congratulate Karen Hughes on her victory and a special congratulations to Claudette Clarke, for her 12 years of devoted service to the schools and the community.” Kaplan said he will continue to use his Facebook page to facilitate good communication, good process and good decision-making for dialogue, questions and concerns about Nyack Schools.
Trustees
| Dan Kaplan | 1099 | 39% |
| Karen Hughes | 1040 | 37% |
| Claudette Clarke | 659 | 24% |
| Total | 2798 | 100% |
Budget Vote
| Yes | 1239 | 77% |
| No | 369 | 23% |
| Total | 1608 | 100% |
Source: Nyack Schools Vote counts are preliminary and unverified.
A total of 1608 votes were cast in 2012 compared to 1709 in 2011 (decrease of six percent). School election days seem to also be rainy days. The weather has been inclement on the school’s election day for the past three years.
| Year | Total Votes | Percent | Registered Voters | |
| 2012 |
1,608 | 10% | 15,354 | |
| 2011 |
1,709 | 12% | 14,200 | |
| 2010 | 2,115 | 14% | 15,353 | |
| 2009 | 1,100 |
8% | 13,000 | |
| 2008 | 2,089 | 16% | 13,000 | |
See also: 2012 School Board Trustee Candidate Background
