Editor’s note: This release was provided by the Pelham Public Schools.

Dear Pelham Community,

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18 polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School gym for voters to cast ballots on the proposed 2021-22 school budget and elect two candidates to serve three-year terms on the board of education.

Parking restrictions will be waived on Corlies Ave. for the day of the vote and additional parking will be available in the PMHS circular driveway.

Absentee Ballots

Today is the last day that voters can submit an application for an absentee ballot. Applications must be delivered personally to the district clerk at 18 Franklin Pl., Pelham, NY 10803 by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021, in order to receive an absentee ballot. All absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in order to be included in the tallies.

Applications for absentee ballots to vote in the 2021-22 school budget vote and board of education member election are available on the district website.

Completed absentee ballots can either be dropped off at the Office of the District Clerk at 18 Franklin Pl., Pelham, NY 10803 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 or by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in the secure lockbox located in the lobby of the Pelham Middle School at 28 Franklin Pl., Pelham, NY 10803.

2021-22 Proposed Budget

The proposed 2021-22 school budget totals $80,280,000 and includes a tax-cap compliant levy increase of 2.47%. The budget maintains all of the district’s current programming, including keeping class sizes at or below board of education guidelines. Additionally, the budget incorporates the largest portion of borrowing from the 2018 Capital Improvement Bond, which includes construction of the new Hutchinson Elementary School, an addition at Prospect Hill, renovations/masonry upgrades at the high school/middle school and installation of the new turf field at the Glover Complex. Other budget highlights include:

• Expanding summer programming for students needing additional academic support this summer
• Continuing professional learning to support the social and emotional need of students including the Steps A Universal DBT program, Responsive Classroom and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Restoring a World Language teaching position to meet program demands and enable the World Language Coordinator to better support the need of the district’s English language learners
• Adding a high school Science teacher to meet enrollment demands
• Continuing to provide teachers and students with learning resources necessary in both in person and virtual learning environments including software to support learning in literacy and numeracy
• Providing mobile learning devices to all students in grades 3-12 as well as exploring emerging technologies that support learning and teaching
• Expanding innovative and flexible furnishings to support our strategic plan goal of authentic learning

More information about the budget is available on the district website. Additionally, Dr. Champ’s presentation on the 2021-22 budget is available for viewing.

Board of Education Member Election

Five candidates are running for two open seats on the board of education. Voters may select any two candidates. The five candidates, listed in the order they will appear on the ballot are:

• Ian V. Rowe
• Jess Young
• Janice Powers
• Eileen Miller
• Michael Owen-Michaane

A video recording of the board of education candidates forum sponsored by the PTA Council has been posted to the district website. Please note that the video includes Dr. Champ’s budget presentation and the candidates forum begins at 33 minutes into the video.

Kids Vote

Students in grades K-5 are encouraged to participate in the annual Kids Vote, which will be open from 3-8 p.m. in the vestibule of Pelham Middle School. Students can also vote “absentee” using a Google Form, which will be open during the same hours. This year’s choices are:

• STEAM Challenge Day
• Pajama Day
• Ice Pop Day
• Sports Team Day

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Pelham Public Schools