2023-24 Budget Remains within Tax Levy Cap

Maintains Class Size; Sustains IB Programs K-12; Continues Summer Programs; Capital Reserve Proposed for Voter Approval 

Dear Harrison Community,

The Board of Education strives to prepare an annual budget that ensures meaningful educational opportunities for all students and judicious, strategic management of tax dollars amid ongoing economic challenges.  These dual responsibilities inform our every decision.

The priorities for the 2023-24 school year remain unchanged: ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff while maintaining and advancing our academic program. The proposed budget continues a strategic, long-term approach to financial management and provides a rigorous educational experience for every student. Despite significant increases in middle school enrollment, transportation, energy, and health insurance costs, the budget remains within the allowable tax levy cap of 1.79%.

The proposed budget maintains class sizes K-12, continues implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program in all elementary schools, and provides ongoing facility, security, health, and safety upgrades. The District will continue summer programs to support learning gaps from K through 12 and provide summer enrichment.

The 2023-24 budget remains within the tax levy cap and includes the following initiatives and programs:

• Maintains class sizes  K-12 amidst increasing enrollment & participation
• Adds two teachers to the middle school to address growing enrollment
• Creates new middle-level special education program
• Sustains International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP) and Middle Years Program (MYP)
• Advances implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP)
• Continues funding IB and AP testing fees for all students at HHS
• Introduces athletic intramural program for 6th grade
• Continues summer programs to address learning gaps and provide enrichment 
• Maintains rigorous Professional Development programs for faculty and staff
• Funds Health and Safety improvements District-wide 
• Sustains capital project budget for long-term District-wide improvements: ADA compliance, expansion/upgrades of security cameras, classroom renovations, and improvements

Capital Reserve for Future Capital Costs: A separate proposition seeks to establish a capital reserve fund to offset future capital costs to taxpayers. There is no cost to establish a reserve; the reserve is only funded if the annual budget does better than planned, and funds placed in the capital reserve can only be expended on capital improvements with voter approval.

Since the mandated tax levy was adopted, the Harrison Central School District has been at or below the tax levy cap.  The proposed 2023-24 Budget is a tax levy increase of 1.79%, once again within the allowable New York State Tax Levy Cap.

The School Budget Vote and School Board Trustee Election is Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 7 AM to 9  PM at your neighborhood elementary school. 

Our students thrive in a school district that values, supports, and sees each child as unique. We appreciate  the support of parents, community members, PTAs, the District PT Council, the Harrison Educational Foundation, and the committed members of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for helping to create this enriching environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Board of Education: Kelly Kozak, President; Kelly Mulvoy Mangan, Vice President; Trustees: Dennis DiLorenzo, Samantha Giberga, Placido Dino Puccio, Robert C. Sullivan, Jr., Lindy Wolverton

Louis N. Wool, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

School Budget Vote and School Board Trustee Election
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
7 AM to 9 PM at Your Neighborhood Elementary School