Residents in Pearl River are facing a major tax hike when they vote on a $49 million school budget next week.

School Superintendent Dr. Frank Auriemma says that is what they have to do to keep programs running. If the budget passes, Auriemma says the schools will bring on some additional part-time teachers and keep all of the teachers? assistants they currently have. He adds, the money will keep advanced placement courses and allow elementary schools to maintain class sizes of about 20 students.

However, 75 percent of the residents don't have children in school so the budget is not a sure thing. If the budget passes, the average Pearl River homeowner would see about $450 a year tax increase.