Mamaroneck School Budget Passes

by Judy Silberstein

(June 3, 2003) By a 2 to 1 margin, the Mamaroneck School District 2003-2004 budget won support from the voters. The $81,765,000 budget passed by a comfortable margin despite the relatively large increase of 8.15% over last year's budget and the 9.88% increase in the tax rate.

School Board President Bob Martin and Superintendent Sherry King (at left) celebrated with budget supporters last night.

The three school board candidates sponsored by the Selection Committee were elected. Running unopposed, Celia Felsher received 1555 votes, Alan Parter 1554 and Linnet Tse 1572.

"This was a very difficult budget to put together," commented School Board President Bob Martin. Superintendent Sherry King concurred and added, "The Board and the community went through a very thorough process."

Dr. King commended District Clerk Bea Cerasoli for her first "solo election" since assuming office last year, and Assistant Superintendent for Operations Sarah Tate for once again performing as "the wizard of the budget."

Despite a two week delay in the vote required by budget negotiations and maneuvers at the NY State level, voter turnout was higher than last year, (2084 vs 1701) and the percentage of yes votes was almost identical (67% vs 66%). The official vote tally in 2002 was 1147 yes votes to 556 no votes.

According to data compiled by The Journal News, with the exception of Katonah and Valhalla, school budgets throughout Westchester County passed. This was despite large increases due to a combination of factors such as insurance and pension cost increases, enrollment hikes, and new construction bonding payments. (See Tax Rate Up 9.88%: Latest Draft of School Board Budget)