Budget Vote: Taxpayers Answer $80 Million Question Today

Taxpayers will answer an $80 million question today as they head to the polls to vote on next year's school budget.

After a months-long budget process that included emotional , belt-tightening in areas ranging from staffing to programs, and last-minute appeals to secure more aid from state and federal sources, the Board of Education in April Now, it's up to the voters to decide whether to accept the budget or send it back to the board for a rehaul.

But that's not the only item on the ballot – residents in Port Chester will also choose between three candidates for two open seats on the Board of Education.

Incumbent , who has served on the board for 18 years, faces challengers Bob Johnson and Dominic Bencivenga. Johnson brings experience as a manager in the private sector, while Bencivenga is a previous Board of Education member.

Earlier this month, the candidates answered questions from taxpayers at a forum sponsored by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. Click for coverage of the forum by Port Chester Patch.

Registered voters can cast their ballots at the Port Chester Middle School gym, at 113 Bowman Ave. in Rye Brook. Polls will remain open until 9 p.m., and results are expected within an hour after polls close.

• Click here for additional voting information from the district.
• Click the box above for a .pdf file containing a summary of the adopted budget, along with details on how school officials plan to spend taxpayer dollars next year.
• The district also provides an online utility allowing property owners to calculate their estimated school taxes. Click here to find out how this year's budget will impact your tax bill.

Check back with Port Chester Patch tonight for live results and reaction from voters, as well as updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Correction: There are two open school board seats up for grabs in today's election. An earlier version of this story contained an error of fact and has been corrected.

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