The Mamaroneck Union Free School District’s 2026–27 budget passed on the first vote this spring, with 850 YES votes and 164 NO votes. The $176,560,406 spending plan includes a 3.07% tax levy increase and voters also approved a separate proposition authorizing up to $9 million from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund for infrastructure improvements. Two new Board of Education trustees were elected as well: Michele Metsch and David Carlos, each beginning three-year terms.
Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson described the budget as intentionally straightforward. “This was a dry and boring budget — and that was the goal,” he said.
Under New York State’s tax cap law, districts can not raise their budget levy by more than two percent a year without going to an override vote. This vote requires broader community approval. Last year, the district pursued that override to hire 15 new faculty members. This year, with a teacher contract negotiation running alongside the budget process, administration and leadership opted for a more conservative approach.
About 80 to 87 percent of the district’s budget goes toward teacher and staff salaries. The biggest development this cycle was a new contract with the Mamaroneck Teachers’ Association, reached without outside legal counsel on either side. Board of Education President Ariana Cohen said the process reflected the current dynamic between district leadership and staff. “We’re at a place where teachers are inspired and district leaders are creating something inspiring,” she said. “We’re at these amazing crossroads, and we have people who want to be here.”
Teachers voted to ratify the contract by a wide margin. Board Vice President Athena Maikish noted the outcome as a sign of the district’s ability to retain and attract staff. Some changes for students were funded in prior years and are now part of the district’s standard operations. Every school building now has a dedicated social worker and security resources have been expanded across facilities.
This year’s budget also grows the district’s Capital Reserve Fund, with voters approving up to 9 million dollars for infrastructure improvements. One project already in planning is a renovation of the Hommocks library. Using reserve funds rather than bonds means the project avoids long-term borrowing costs, alleviating taxpayers’ paying interest on the district’s investments. Cohen expressed appreciation for the community’s participation in the process, noting “this budget reflects thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and a continued commitment to meeting the needs of every student.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Sampson noted a demographic shift underway: K–5 enrollment is declining while the 6–12 population is growing. District officials expect staffing and resources to gradually shift toward the middle and high school levels in the coming years. District administrators have also pointed to Mamaroneck’s standing as one of the more efficient districts in Westchester County in terms of per-pupil spending and the ratio of administrators to students.
Overall, the approval of the 2026-27 budget reflects strong community support for a steady, fiscally cautious approach to education in the district. With continued investment in staff, infrastructure, and student services, the district is placing a priority on stability while still addressing key needs.
