Pelham Voters Heard On School Budget And Board

PELHAM, NY -- Budgets, capital projects and board candidates were on the ballots for school districts across New York State. In Pelham, the budget passed by a large margin. Voters also OK'd two bond propositions.

They authorized a $52.9 million bond for various improvements, including a new school to replace the Hutchinson School, and approved borrowing $4.6 million for field improvements.

Jessica Young (1682 votes) and Eileen Miller (1522 votes) were elected to three year terms on the Board of Education (uncontested)

“I would like to thank the voters for putting your trust in the Board and the District administration," said Madeline Smith, Board of Education President. "We know that this referendum was not an easy choice, that the tax burden in our community is high, and that there are, and should always be, many different viewpoints when it comes to educating our children. I personally believe the budget and bond propositions that were passed today represent a fiscally responsible plan that will be to the benefit of our entire community. We must now work collectively to implement these plans effectively and with careful oversight.

“Congratulations to Jessica Young and Eileen Miller on their election to the Board. I have gotten to know them both and we are truly fortunate to have them, and all of my current BOE colleagues volunteering their time for our community.”

Here are the proposition results:

Budget Proposition Passes: Yes-1723; No-550
Bond Proposition 1 Passes: Yes-1584; No-698
Bond Proposition 2 Passes: Yes-1412; No-848

The spending plan totals $73,650,000 and has a tax levy increase of 2.09 percent, which is compliant withthe New York State tax cap, school officials said. The year-to- year budget increase is 1.20 percent. The projected homestead tax rate is $18.39 per $1,000 assessed home value and the projected non-homestead tax rate is $25.99 per $1,000 assessed value.

“I am overjoyed with the results of this vote and would like to thank the entire Pelham community for their engaged throughout this process," Dr. Cheryl Champ, Superintendent of Schools, said in a statement. "Since I began here 10 months ago, the Board of Education has been focused on addressing the District’s facilities in a thoughtful manner. The work they put into the analysis and the debate that ensued truly made this a better process and a better product. The decisive vote from our community shows this work was worth the effort. I feel fortunate to have seven Board members who care so passionately about our schools and our students. While the vote may be over, I recognize that the work is only just beginning. We now have to be diligent as we move forward with design, approvals and construction. We must continue to support and build our academic program, and are excited to be able to do so within the operating budget that was also approved by our community today."

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