Schools

Pearl River Passes Budget, Elects School Board Members

Incumbents Bruce Bond and Jackie Curtiss were elected for three-year terms on the Pearl River Board of Education. The proposed change in the bus limits for Pearl River High School Students was defeated.

Voters passed the Pearl River School District's proposed $60,289,068 budget for 2012-13 with 73.3% of the vote.

"First and foremost, I want to thank the community for the outstanding support of our budget," Pearl River Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano said. "The 73.3 percent plurality is a great endorsement of the program we have and the work we do with the children of Pearl River."

The budget includes a projected tax increase of 2.97% for homeowners and complies with the state-mandated tax cap, with a tax levy increase of 2.15%. There were 1,495 yes votes and only 546 no votes.

Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Obviously the community ralizes we've been trying to do right by them and do right by the students," Pearl River Board of Education member Bruce Bond said. "We certainly have the support of the community, which is important no matter what district you are in."

Bond also had the support of the community. He and Jackie Curtiss, another incumbent, were re-elected to three-year terms with the Board of Education. Curtiss received the most votes, 1,300. Bond received 1,193 and 1,031 people voted for challenger Patrice Carrieri.

Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It was close, but not close enough," Carrieri said. "I did all I can do. People know who I am. I think I did a good job presenting myself. The community has spoken and I have to respect that. I'm disappionted, but that's how it goes."

Bond, who has been a member of the Pearl River board of education wince 1988, said this was the first time he did not take home the most votes, but was happy to hear the results. He thanked the community for supporting him and Curtiss during the meeting.

"This is my ninth term. It's good to see that the community has paid attention to what the disrict has done over the last 24 years and realized I've been a part of that," Bond said. "I thank them for their support. I do this for the kids and it's nice to see.

"I'd also like to congratulate Patrice for running a hard campaign."

Curtiss had to leave Tuesday's meeting early, before the results were in, due to a family emergency. The Pearl River Board of Education has not had a change in membership since Tom DePrisco was elected in 2008. 

The closest vote of the night was for Proposal 2, which called for a return of bus limits for all Pearl River High School students to 1.5 miles. The proposal was defeated by only 31 votes, 1,041 to 1,010.

The bus limits will stay at three miles for students in grades 9-12 and two miles for eighth graders, which took effect this current school year after the voters approved the change in the 2011 district vote.

"I voted yes," Carrieri said. "I am disappointed. I'm sure a lot of people will be disappointed with that. But this is why we vote. The budget passed easily and that's what's really important. I think every one here (are) all working toward the same thing, what's best for the schools."

A total of 2,051 people voted in the Pearl River School District Tuesday, up from 1,865 in 2011. 

Elsewhere in Rockland County

The Nanuet School District budget passed with 487 votes for and 200 against.

The budget also passed in South Orangetown, with 1,062 votes for it and 518 against.

Voters also overwhelmingly approved the Nyack School District budget with 1,239 voted to pass the fiscal plan, and 369 against it.

Clarkstown's budget went through with 3,217 of 4,681 total votes in favor.

Pearl River School District Results

Proposiation 1: Proposed 2012-13 Budget of $60,289,068

  • Yes - 1,495 (73.25%)
  • No - 546 (26.75%)
  • Proposal Passes

Proposition 2: Citizens' Petition: Shall the Pearl River Union Free School District modify its transportation eligibility limit effective July 1, 2012, for students in grades nine through 12 from the existing 3 mile limit to a 1.5 mile limit, and students in Grade 8 from a 2 mile limit to a 1.5 mile limit, thereby increasing the proposed 2012-2013 School District Budget in an amount not to exceed $220,000?

  • Yes - 1,010
  • No - 1,041
  • Proposal Defeated

Board of Education Election
Two seats up for election

  • Jackie Curtiss - 1,300 votes
  • Bruce Bond - 1,193 votes
  • Patrice Carrieri - 1,031 votes
  • Bond and Curtis re-elected


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