Port Chester School District Proposes Below Cap Budget and Tax Levy Increase for 2023-2024

Written By: Robert Cox

PORT CHESTER, NY (May 10, 2023) — The Port Chester School District has proposed a 2.9% tax levy increase for the 2023-2024 school budget, which is below the New York State Tax Levy Cap. The district aims to balance the financial health of the school district with long-term educational planning while taking the current economic situation and its financial strain on taxpayers into account.

Aside from the proposed tax levy increase, the district has also announced the upcoming election of two school board trustees on May 16. The candidates include Thomas Corbia, Roberto Dominguez, George Ford, and William Villanova, all running at large.

The district also highlighted the students’ academic achievements, including 640 AP exams taken in 14 different courses, with 38 students named AP Scholars, seven students named AP Scholars with Honors, and 14 students named AP Scholars with Distinction. Additionally, 310 students of the graduating class are college-bound, while $124,300 in locally funded scholarships were earned.

Other notable achievements include an 89% graduation rate, 39% of the graduating class earning an Advanced Regents Diploma, and 82 students graduating with the Seal of Biliteracy. The PCHS Marching Band – Pride of Port Chester also received second place at nationals, while over 300 third through fifth graders participated in STEAMFest, led by PCHS students.

The Port Chester School District offers 23 sports programs with a total of 50 teams and has added a merger for students to play squash and additional lacrosse teams this year. More than 140 fall and winter athletes have qualified for New York State Public High School Athletic Association scholar-athlete status for maintaining a grade point average of 90% or higher.

The district’s website, www.portchesterschools.org, offers more information and budget presentations for those interested.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was generated by ChatGPT based on the Port Chester School District budget newsletter.