Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The school budget vote is May 19. Here's what you're actually deciding.

Every school district in Westchester County holds its budget vote on Tuesday, May 19. Polls open at 7am and close at 9pm. Most residents won't show up. The ones who do will decide how much every property owner in the district pays next year — and what their local schools can afford to offer.

The mechanics matter. New York State caps how much a school district can increase its property tax levy each year. Most Westchester districts are staying at or below that cap this cycle. White Plains is proposing a 1.60% increase in its tax levy — $3,295,937 in additional revenue for 2026-27. The district held its budget hearing on May 11. The vote is May 19.

Why it matters: Here's the rule most people don't know. If a district wants to exceed the state cap, it needs more than 60% voter approval — a supermajority, not a simple majority. Last May, three Westchester districts made that ask: New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Pearl River. All three won. If a budget fails entirely, the district falls back to a contingency plan — no levy increase at all — which typically means real cuts to programs and staff when adjusted for inflation and existing contracts.

This year's budgets were built under significant uncertainty. Federal education funding — Title I grants, special education dollars — has been subject to federal review and delays. Districts have had to plan across multiple scenarios.

To find your polling location: Westchester County Board of Elections — 914-995-2000.

Listen to the full story on all podcast platforms.

State of the County Tonight
County Executive Ken Jenkins delivers his 2026 State of the County address tonight, May 6, at 6:30 PM at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. Live stream at westchestercountyny.gov. Listen for Blueprint'26, his economic development initiative, and how he addresses the federal funding gap.

Flood Mitigation: $1.9M Approved for Three Communities
The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved $1,925,000 for stormwater drainage upgrades in New Rochelle, Croton-on-Hudson, and Bronxville — three communities that have seen recurring flood damage. Modern drainage infrastructure will go in where aging systems have repeatedly failed.

$21M Environmental Bond Act Funding Awarded
Governor Hochul announced $21 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for Westchester County, targeting clean water infrastructure, clean air programs, and green jobs. The Bond Act was passed by New York voters in 2022.

Prom Formal Wear Giveaway at County Center
The Westchester County Center is hosting the 2026 Prom Formal Wear Giveaway in partnership with Operation Prom through this weekend — free formal attire for students ahead of prom season. Open to any student in need.

When did you last vote in a school budget election? Most people haven't. This is your reminder that it's one of the most direct ways a Westchester resident shapes what they pay in property taxes and what their local schools can do.

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