What You Need To Know: Mamaroneck Patch School Election Guide

MAMARONECK, NY — On Tuesday, voters will get the final say on proposed school budgets and property tax levies. Here's a quick guide to understanding the choices and making your voice heard at the polls.

The proposed budget is $144,941,319, with a 1.63 percent increase over the 2020-21 spending package. School officials said the tax levy will increase by 1.99 percent if the budget is approved by voters. The district says the increase is among the lowest in the region. The annual increase in property taxes will amount to an average of $316 per homeowner.

Three open board of education seats for three-year terms are also up for election. Candidates running include:

• Lauringle Mitchell
• Sally Cantwell
• Josh Lawlor
• Andrene Smith
• Michelle Metsch
• Ariana Cohen (incumbent)
• Leela Mitra
• Patrick Roman

The annual budget vote will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 18. Voters can cast ballots at their local elementary school. However, due to construction, the Chatsworth Avenue School polling location will be moved across the street to the Larchmont Avenue Church.

Absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on election day, but can be returned in-person at the clerk's office.

SEE ALSO: Window To Get Absentee Ballot For School Budget Vote Is Closing

Among other line items, the proposed budget includes new funds for:

• Expansion of Dos Caminos Dual Language Program to 8th grade
• A New Hommocks School World Drumming course
• A Family Academy for before and after-school family counseling
• New AP Music Theory class at Mamaroneck High School
• Sustainability initiatives with Greenburgh Nature Center (Love Your Food grant)
• Nature education in partnership with Sheldrake Environmental Center
• Increased opportunities for entry-level instrumental instruction
• Additional in-school music instruction opportunities

SEE ALSO: Mamaroneck Union Free School District Budget Hearing

RYE NECK:

The proposed budget is $46,069,994, with a 3.42 percent increase over the 2020-21 spending package. School officials said the tax levy will increase by 2.17 percent if the budget is approved by voters on Tuesday.

Two Board of Education seats are available. Candidates running include:

• Heather Harvey
• Rebecca Mansell
• John Lozito
• Patty Nashelsky (incumbent)

SEE ALSO: Final Rye Neck School District Public Budget Hearing

The annual budget vote and board election will be from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on May 18 in the Rye Neck MS/HS Community Room.