Mamaroneck Union Free School District Budget Vote On Tuesday

MAMARONECK, NY — The voters will have the final say on the proposed school budget on Tuesday.

The proposed budget is $149,662,400, with a 3.26 percent increase over the 2021-22 spending package.

"As we look ahead to life after two years of a global pandemic, we emerge with a sense of optimism and strength — facing an opportune time to reflect, look inwards at our school system and think carefully about what we want our educational program to look like in the future," Superintendent Robert I. Shaps said in a statement outlining the spending plan. "I can say with confidence the Recommended Budget serves to advance the mission of our public school system, invests for the future, and aligns with the Board of Education's goals to promote student engagement and academic success to prepare students to thrive in this rapidly-changing world."

School officials said the tax levy will increase by 2.39 percent if the budget is approved by voters later this month.

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

• extending elementary math and science curriculums
• enhancing STEM learning throughout the system
• implementing District Equity Team multi-year strategic initiatives
• expanding dual language immersion/Dos Caminos program to 9th grade
• enhancing MHS food science courses in anticipation of new culinary art space
• developing outdoor classroom initiatives
• resources for middle school curriculum update
• enhancing secondary level advisory programs
• resources for ELL instruction and services
• expanding 11th & 12th grade English electives
• reintroducing AP Statistics
• partnering with Our New Way Gardens to promote sustainable farming and service-learning experiences

Two board of education seats for three-year terms will also be on the ballot. Candidates include:

• Athena Belsito-Maikish
• Amy Nofal
• Angelique Shingler

The annual budget vote will be on May 17. Information about general voting and absentee voting can be found here.