New Rochelle proposes $359.5 million budget, seeks 3.95% tax-levy override; up to 200 layoffs possible

The New Rochelle City School District on Tuesday presented a proposed 2025–26 budget that would exceed the state's tax cap with a 3.95% tax-levy increase, require a 60% voter override and still leave the district facing a roughly $20.2 million deficit unless the board or voters approve additional measures.

Superintendent Dr. Reynolds told the Board of Education that a 3.95% levy "is necessary to preserve core programs for our students," and that with that levy the district's anticipated total revenue would be $359,468,597. He said that the district's projected expenditures to maintain current programming approach $379 million, leaving a shortfall of about $20,216,317.

Why it matters: Because the proposed tax levy exceeds the state cap, the budget would require 60% approval from voters on May 20. If voters defeat the budget and the board does not successfully pass a revised budget on a second vote, the district would be forced to adopt a contingency budget that is limited to the prior year's tax levy, which the superintendent warned would require deeper cuts.

What the proposal would change: The district outlined a mix of revenue and spending actions intended to close the gap, including the 3.95% tax-levy proposal (the same percentage approved last year),…