Politics & Government

POLL: Should the School Budget Exceed Property Tax Cap?

Overriding New York's new property tax cap requires 60 percent of the budget vote.

Port Chester schools face a budget gap of as much as $4 million next year, and an early list of options includes asking the public to override the state's new property tax cap.

In a , Superintendent Edward Kliszus said an override was an option, but not a likely one given the economic mood both locally and nationally.

Last year's budget was $80 million, and passed by fewer than 70 votes. Until school leaders get more information from the state -- including details on whether state aid will hold steady or decrease -- they won't know the exact size of the looming budget shortfall. Like other districts, Port Chester faces increases in mandatory funding for retiree pensions and healthcare.

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In the meantime, they've worked up a preliminary game plan that includes cost-cutting options and a hard look at school programs.


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