Harrison Central School District board adopts $146.4 million 2025–26 budget, proposes 2.8% tax-rate increase

The Harrison Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously April 22 to adopt a $146.4 million budget for the 2025–26 school year and approved related finance and facilities measures.

The budget, presented to the board by district staff, proposes a tax levy that the district told trustees matches the maximum allowable levy under the district’s calculations ($127,500,000) and estimated a tax‑rate increase of about 2.8% based on current assessment data. Board members were told the district used an additional $107,000 in fund balance to close a remaining gap and reach a balanced budget.

Why it matters: The budget funds operations across the district as enrollment rises and inflationary pressures continue. District officials said the plan preserves instructional programs while adding a limited number of staff to respond to enrollment growth and program needs.

District staff described the main cost drivers as employee salaries and health insurance and said overall increased costs for next year total about $4.8 million (approximately 3.4%). The package presented to the board includes 1.7 full‑time equivalent elementary teacher positions added for growth, one full‑time equivalent position (noted in the presentation as added from last year), a new teaching assistant at the high school to support technical theater, expanded fitness‑center supervision, increased lunchtime supervision for security, and part‑time speech services tied to IEP needs. Board materials also show the district projects enrollment above 3,700 students this year and expects to crest 4,000 students in the coming years.

Dr. Woll, staff member, summed the district’s education priorities in the budget presentation: “We see every child as unique, and we try to meet the services and the needs of each one of them.” Tim, staff member responsible for the financial presentation, told the board the district had worked to keep the levy within the state tax‑cap limit after several rounds of adjustments: “We were able to stay within the cap this year.”

Trustees were shown comparisons of the district’s true‑value tax rate against Westchester County peers and were told the district remains one of the lower true‑value tax rates in the county. The presentation also noted the district’s continued high credit standing and financial reporting recognition.

Votes at a glance - Adoption of 2025–26 school budget (action recorded under finance and facilities agenda item H): approved, unanimous (7–0). District stated final expenditures of $146,400,000 and a balanced budget; additional $107,000 in fund balance used to close a remaining gap. - Approval of finance and facilities report including change orders for window replacements at Parsons Memorial Elementary School and Harrison High School, and cancellation of RFB #24/25‑14 (retaining wall at Parsons): approved, unanimous (7–0).

Board members present who participated in the votes were Kelly Kozak, Kelly Mulvoy Mangan, Benjamin Blaustein, Samantha Jaburga, Placido DiNapuccio, Robert C. Sullivan Jr., and Jerome Valente.

What the board did not decide tonight: District staff noted the State of New York had not yet adopted its state budget; board members were told the district’s plan reflects the best available information and that the district would monitor state action and assessments going forward. The board set a May 7 budget hearing and the district’s public budget vote and Board of Education election for May 20.

Background and next steps: School officials said enrollment growth and inflation have been persistent pressures during recent budget cycles. Trustees heard that more than a dozen teacher retirements and other staffing changes helped the district realize some salary savings during planning. The district will present final budget materials at the May 7 hearing and hold the public vote May 20.

Ending: The board’s next regular meeting was announced for May 7 at 7 p.m. at Lewis M. Klein Middle School.