Mt Vernon Proposes School Budget With No Tax Levy Increase

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Voters in the Mount Vernon City School District will have their say May 21 on the budget plan for the 2019-20 school year.

The proposed spending package is $256,080,057, up 1.63 percent from the current year. There is no tax levy increase for the fourth time in five years.

Highlights include funding for a culinary education program at The Mount Vernon High School, new science labs at the District’s Pre-K-8 schools, districtwide bathroom upgrades, and expansion of related services to accommodate students with special needs.

District officials said they were able to conserve revenues due to $1.2 million reduction in teachers retirement system costs, a $1.2 million reduction in debt service, and reduced administrative costs districtwide.

Officials are pleased the district received an A1 underlying rating and Aa3 enhanced rating from Moody’s Investors Services. According to Moody’s rating scale, these ratings are indicators that the District is fiscally strong and has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. This is the second year in a row that the Mount Vernon City School District has received these strong ratings, and they remain the highest ratings the district has ever received from Moody’s. A better bond rating means the District will pay lower interest rates on its debt.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Don't know your polling place? Click here to find out.