Harrison Proposes $123.4 Million School Budget For 2020-21

Editor's Note: The deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots has been extended. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order Sunday saying the ballots can be accepted by hand delivery through 5 p.m. Tuesday or received by mail through June 16 by the school district. SEE: Cuomo Extends Deadline For Mail-In School Budget Ballots

HARRISON, NY — The Harrison Board of Education will do a new thing in 2020 — hold its annual budget vote entirely by absentee ballot. That's just one of the many changes due to the new coronavirus pandemic in New York.

"The budget was prepared with the possibility of an extended closure during the upcoming year, and/or opening with safety protocols in place to protect the health and safety of our students and staff," the district's trustees and superintendent said in a budget message to residents.

In addition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned that the economic effect of the shutdown imposed to curb the outbreak could mean much less money available for state education aid. The state will be assessing and adjusting its budget several times in the course of 2020. Cuomo's last estimate was that state aid would be 20 percent lower than already promised.

District officials worked to maintain class size and program options despite likely reductions in state aid and lost revenue in sales tax and interest earnings.

The proposed spending plan they're putting before voters is $123.4 million. The proposed increase in the tax levy is 2.10 percent, below the state's property tax cap.

Among the details from Superintendent Louis Wool:

• Maintains District class size target of 22 students K-12
• Full-time Health Assistant at LMK middle school
• Increase psychological services at the elementary and middle level
• Increase mandated special education teachers and support staff
• Covers cost of International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement exams for all students
• Health and safety improvements District-wide

You can check out budget 2020-21 information at the district's website.

Things to know:

1. School district budget votes and school board elections are by absentee ballot only in 2020.
2. Absentee ballots will be mailed to all registered voters in the district the week of May 25.
3. If you are not registered, you may register by mail with the County Board of Elections or apply through the state online.
4. Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk before 5 p.m. June 9.

To vote, you must be:

• A United States citizen
• At least 18 yrs of age by June 9, 2020
• A resident of the district by May 10, 2020
• Cannot have been disqualified from voting based upon a reason described in Election Law §5-106.