WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. MAY 15, 2012:

The City of White Plains passed the proposed 2012-13 school budget of $188,822,000 today. A total turn out of 1,113 voters chose to vote in the school board election out of a total of 29,000 voters, a turnout of 5%.  Last year, 1,866 voted and two years ago the turnout was 2,375.

The total vote today was 901 in favor and 212 "No." The budget imposes a 3.03% property tax increase on the residents, and raises the overall budget by 1.77%.  The budget just meets  Governor Andrew Cuomo's tax levy cap at  2.03%.

James Hricay and Peter Bassano were elected for their second term and third term on the board respectively, and Rose Lovitch was elected to her first term, replacing 15-year board member Donna McLaughlin who chose not to run for a sixth term.

Dr. Christopher Clouet,Superintendent of Schools,  was ebullient. He said he was pleased voters passed the budget and "recognized it was respectful of the taxpayers, while meeting the needs of the students.I'm pleased."

Mr. Hricay (right) said his goal in his second term was "to continue the work we're doing, work on improving student achievement, and continue evaluating our programs."

Ms. Lovitch (left) asked what her priorities were, said she was "definitely looking forward to working with the Board in implementing the new middle school design, and work to continue to offer the very best programs to all students, and students of need."