Harrison Sends School Budget To Voters May 21

HARRISON, NY — Harrison's proposed budget for the 2019-20 school year carries a 2.32% increase over current spending. Voters will weigh in on the plan May 21.

The proposed spending package is $119,409,331. The tax levy increase is 2.29% percent, below the state's property tax cap. The estimated tax rate increase is 3.7%.

Better than three-fourths of the district's expenditures are on educational programs.

Initiatives in the budget plan include:

• Maintain district class sizes with a target of 22 students K-12
• Full time Middle Years International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator
• Increase mandated special education teachers & support staff
• Part Time Health Assistant in all four elementary schools
• Facility improvements throughout district
• Installation of exterior restrooms and field improvements
• New roof at Parsons
• Upgrade the phone/internet system under the 5-year service agreement

The Board of Education also wants to re-establish the district capital improvement budget for long-term maintenance planning.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at neighborhood elementary schools.