Clarkstown Proposes $213M School Budget For 2019-20

NEW CITY, NY — Voters in the Clarkstown school district will be able to go to the polls May 21 to have their say on the Board of Education's budget plan for the 2019-20 school year.

The proposed spending package is $213,236,257, up $4.3 million or 2.06% from the current year. The tax levy increase is 2.27%, which is equal to this year's property tax cap.

"The budgetary process began with the essential question 'How do we meet the needs of students in a fiscally responsible manner?'" said school board President Tamara Bierker and Superintendent Martin Cox in a letter to the community posted on the district's website. "We are confident the budget addresses this question in areas aligned with our District vision and mission while remaining within the tax cap."

The budget includes $8 million from the capital reserve fund for work across the district. Capital projects proposed for 2019-20 include new playgrounds at 10 buildings, facilities improvements at both high schools, a new gymnasium floor at Birchwood School, a Professional Development Center at the CLC, and paving and curbing improvements at Clarkstown North High School.

Find the state's accountability report card about spending, salaries, capital projects and property taxes here.

Also on the ballot: There are five candidates running for CCSD Board of Education: incumbents Daniel Cazes, Zizette Deutsch and Walter Litvak, and challengers George Ballane and Catherine Ricks Kant.

Find their profiles on the Clarkstown Council of PTAs' website.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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