School districts across Hudson Valley to hold budget votes Tuesday
In the state's newly approved budget, New York lawmakers upped foundation aid by $2.6 billion to bring the total to $34.5 billion to fund education.
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In the state's newly approved budget, New York lawmakers upped foundation aid by $2.6 billion to bring the total to $34.5 billion to fund education.
"It's the largest investment in schools in our state history,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month.
Even with the historic increase, many school district leaders say a tax levy increase is still needed.
School districts in Westchester and Putnam counties are seeking tax levy increases that average at 2.18%.
The Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District is the only district looking to exceed the tax levy cap and will need a 60% super majority vote Tuesday to approve a 10.85% tax levy increase.
The district is attributing the increase to health care costs, high inflation and increases in mental health and special education costs.
Additional state aid is helping out districts like Peekskill which has presented a budget with a 2 percent increase.
"If we don’t invest in our children, we are going to pay for it one way or another and i think the very best we can do is provide equitable education to our students,” said Peekskill City School District Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio.
Five school districts in Westchester and Putnam counties, including Brewster, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Ossining and Pocantico Hills have proposed freezing their tax levy next year.
Two others, including Hendrick Hudson and Briarcliff Manor, are proposing tax increases below 1%.
Polls open at various times based on where you live but the majority of them close at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
