Somers Schools Asking Public To OK $100.9M Budget

SOMERS, NY — On May 17, voters in the Somers school district will be deciding whether or not to approve a $100.9 million budget.

The spending package is $3.5 million or 3.59 percent more than the 2021-22 budget, according to information from the school district.

There will be public hearing on the budget Tuesday at Somers Middle School, 250 Route 202.

School officials are proposing a tax rate of $175.37 per $1,000 assessed valuation. That represents an increase of $2.68 over the previous year or 1.55 percent.

The proposed tax levy is $84.4 million, which is an increase of 2 percent and within the state-mandated cap tax.

On the ballot Tuesday will also be proposition for the establishment of a $10 million capital reserve fund for the purpose, of improvements, repairs, reconstruction and renovation of and additions to school district buildings, facilities and athletic fields.

Administration said it doesn't believe student enrollment will change significantly in the 2022-23 school year. They are anticipating one additional full-time teacher at Somers Intermediate School and reductions in staff in the mathematics and social studies area at the middle school and high school because of declining enrollment.

The mandated employer contribution to the New York State Teachers' Retirement System increased the rate from 9.8 percent to about 10.29 percent — an increase of $321,399.

There are also three open seats for the Board of Education and four candidates. They are incumbents Ifay Chang and Chadwick Olsen and Amanda Kandel and Kenneth Mitchell.

Prospective voters may register in the district clerk's office in the Somers Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Thursday, May 12. Registration can also take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11.

For more information on the proposed budget, go here.