Schools

Voter's Guide: Harrison to Decide on $104.2 Million Budget

Voters will either accept or deny the Harrison Central School District's proposed $104.2 million budget Tuesday.

Zach Oliva, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Voters will decide the fate of the Harrison Central School District's $104.2 million proposed 2012-13 budget Tuesday.

Without a contested board of education race, the budget will be the focus of Tuesday's vote. Administrators proposed of the budget this spring, outlining cuts that eventually brought the tax levy increase beneath the state's newly imposed cap before approving the current budget.

Although the proposed tax levy increase is less than 2 percent, the tax rate would increase 3.08 percent because of drops in assessment values town-wide. However, the tax levy is critical because only 50 percent of voters are needed to approve the budget, rather than 60 percent if the tax levy increase breached 2 percent.

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If the budget fails, the school district will have one more opportunity to create a budget that meets voter approval.

Our voter guide below includes a brief outline of what you need to know before taking to the polls on Tuesday. Voting begins at 7 a.m. and polls close at 9 p.m. 

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The Budget

  • Overall Spending: $104.2 million
  • Tax Levy: $93.1 million
  • Tax Levy Increase: 1.97 percent
  • Tax Rate Increase: 3.08 percent
  • Budget-to-Budget Spending Increase: 1.07 percent
  • The Skinny: The Harrison Board of Education tasked administrators with two key goals this year: Create a budget beneath the tax cap while maintaining class sizes and programming. While passing the on April 18, the board said these goals were accomplished. Overall, the district will eliminate 10.4 staff positions—including five instructional jobs—but will not need to lay anyone off. The teaching reductions were achieved through a retirement incentive program this fall and class sizes will remain steady because of a slight dip in enrollment.
  • Noteable Cuts: Along with the five teaching positions, the district eliminated one administrative position, saving approximately $142,000.
  • Biggest Challenges: School administrators cited cuts in state aid, dropping property assessments and increased employee retirement costs as well as mandated programs from the state level as big financial obstacles this year.

    • For more on the budget, .

    Board of Education Race

    • Two incumbents will run for another term on the Harrison Board of Education this year. Barring a write-in victory,  and Dennis Di Lorenzo will both win new three-year terms. 

    Where to Vote:

    Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at each of Harrison's four elementary schools. Locations are as follows:

    • : 50 Taylor Avenue, West Harrison
    • : 200 Halstead Avenue, Harrison
    • : 2995 Purchase Street, Purchase
    • : 480 Harrison Avenue, Harrison

    There is no registration for school elections. Voters are required to be a United States citizen, older than 18 and a resident of Harrison's school district for at least the last 30 days.

    Proof of residency includes a driver's license, voter card or utility bill.

    A sample of this year's ballot is attached to this article.

    Results of today's vote will be presented to the public Tuesday evening, Patch will have results posted as soon as they are available.

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