School administrators are asking voters to pass a $272.2 million budget that comes with a 3.3% tax levy increase.

That would amount to roughly $289 a year for the average home in Mount Vernon.

District officials say their financial situation is dire and the tax increase is necessary to cover union contracts and sustain programs such as athletics, pre-K and after-school care.

Last month, the official announcement came that 124 employees are losing their jobs at the end of this school year. That includes teachers, teaching assistants and administrators, plus civil service employees.

Three schools will be also closing in June: The Cecil H. Parker Elementary School, The Leadership Academy and the Mount Vernon Honor Academy.

Administrators say declining enrollment and fiscal problems left them with no choice and that the cuts are enabling them to reduce expenses for the upcoming school year by $16.9 million. However, they say they still need that tax levy increase.

Today's vote comes less than a week after the school board approved the hiring of new schools superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland.

Polls open at 7 a.m., and voters have until 9 p.m. to cast their ballots. There are several polling places through the city. If you're unsure where to go, give the school district office a call at 914-665-5000.