Hen Hud School Board Approves $72.1M Budget for May Vote

Hendrick Hudson officials approved a $72,117,785 spending plan to take before district voters on May 21 during Wednesday's board of education meeting.

The proposal represents a 2.15 percent increase over this year’s budget. The tax levy, which is the portion of the budget funded through property taxes, would increase by .74 percent to $40,935,310.

Peekskill residents in the Hendrick Hudson School District are expected to see an estimated tax rate increase of about 2.93 percent, while Cortlandt residents are estimated to see an increase of about 1 percent.

The average Peekskill homeowner in the district is estimated to see an increase of about $60 in their school taxes, while the average Cortlandt homeowner is estimated to see an increase of about $57.  

“I think voter will be pleased with the low tax increase,” said Brian Monahan, the district’s interim superintendent. “I believe it’s the lowest in the region and I think parents will be glad that we’ve maintained programs, that class sizes will remain stable and that we’ll be able to offer our students all of the courses they need to succeed and get into college.”

Monahan said three elementary school teaching positions are being eliminated in the proposal.

“Those three positions are being cut due to enrollment decreases,” Monahan said.

In addition to the budget, district residents will also be asked to vote on a proposition that will allow the district to spend $555,000 for the replacement of buses and other related equipment.