Proposed $230.7M Clarkstown School Budget On The Ballot May 17

NEW CITY, NY — The 2022 budget and school board vote - and library budget in some cases - is May 17, and six people are running for two seats on the Clarkstown Board of Education.

Trustee Daniel Cazes is running for re-election but current board President Walter Litvak is not seeking another term. Also on the ballot: Brian Montes, Phillip DeGaetano, Jason Bass, Alana Rao and John Maltbie.

The proposed spending plan of $230,706,789 is 4.49 percent higher than the current budget. The tax levy is expected to rise just 1.97 percent, which is below the state's tax cap. It maintains current programming.

The budget document also contains a expense line for a new superintendent. The salary listed is $325,000 with $98,000 in benefits.

The trustees are expected to choose from among the finalists by the beginning of May.

District officials said they were focused on four strategic goals for the coming year: Academic, advancing learning for all students; social-emotional and ethical, supporting all students' development; capacity building, investing in skills, knowledge and expertise of the community; and safety, maintaining and promoting a safe and respectful environment.

A budget hearing is scheduled for May 5.

The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 17 at:

• District 1 - Street School 31 Zukor Road, New City
• District 2 - Congers Community Center- Upper Level 8 Gilchrest Road, Congers
• District 3 - Chestnut Grove Administration Center 62 Old Middletown Road, New City
• District 4 - St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall 128 Parrott Road, West Nyack

If you are unsure where to vote or don't know if you are registered, use the Voter Information Portal.

For library elections only:

• District 1, 2, 3 - New City Library
• District 4 - West Nyack Library

Voters may register online with the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, or by mail through the Rockland County Board of Elections (11 New Hempstead Rd, New City, NY 10956 - Phone: 845- 638-5172, or at the Office of the District Clerk, in the Chestnut Grove Administrative Center, 62 Old Middletown Road, New City - Phone: 845-639-6455.

Registered voters may request an application for an absentee ballot by downloading an application or contacting the district clerk's office. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or the voter’s designated agent. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. May 17.