Proposed $85 Million Pearl River School Budget On The Ballot May 16

PEARL RIVER, NY — The 2023 budget and school board vote is May 16, and Dr. Kathleen Ann Kelley is running for re-election on the Pearl River Board of Education.

The proposed spending plan of $85,038,794 is 9.7 percent higher than the current budget, and comes with a 32 percent increase in state aid. It preserves current programs and services and allows for sustained growth in key areas. Officials said they were focused on advancing the district's mission to prepare students for lifelong success while honoring their fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.

The budget would authorize the creation of a capital reserve fund. Any excess funds remaining in the budget at year’s end would be directed to this reserve. The fund would allow the district to address facilities improvements and repairs at the schools. This fund could also be used to support future capital projects.

It also includes three new full-time teachers and two part-time teaching positions.

The tax levy is expected to rise 3.94 percent, which with permitted exceptions puts it below the state's tax cap, set at 2 percent for the second straight year.

A budget hearing is scheduled for May 2.

To vote, you must be registered with the Rockland County Board of Elections or Pearl River School District. If you would like to check your registration status, visit the NY Board of Elections website.

Voters may register online with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, by mail through the County Board of Elections or at the Office of the District Clerk.

The first day to apply for an absentee ballot was Tuesday. Registered voters may contact the district clerk's office at districtclerk@pearlriver.org or 845-620-3924 for any questions..

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 returned to the District Clerk's Office by 5 p.m. May 16.