Budget Information

2026-2027 Budget Passes - Thank you Voters!

Dear Mount Pleasant CSD Residents,

Thank you to the Mount Pleasant community for voting to support our students, staff, and programs. The passage of the 2026-2027 budget ensures our ability to continue building our programming and supporting teachers and students in working and learning at high levels.

The school budget was approved, and the election results are as follows:

Budget Proposition: 523 to 199. It passed with 72% approval.

Board of Education seats (3-year terms)

Laura Michalec Olszewski - 474 votes
Sara M. Beaty - 556 votes
Tracey Pisano - 268 votes

Congratulations to Laura Michalec Olszewski and Sara M. Beaty on their reelection.

The results of our Student Vote are:

Hawthorne - Rita’s 22 to Ice Cream 21
Columbus - Despicable Me 40 to Luck 13 to Peanuts 8

Thank you again for taking the time to vote today. We appreciate your confidence and never take it for granted. As we always say, it's a good day to be a Wildcat!

Regards,

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo
Superintendent of Schools

2026-2027 Budget Calendar

Date	Action/Comments
November 2025	CBAC application developed CBAC meeting dates determined Preliminary Fund Balance projection
December 2025	Announce CBAC members Updated Fund Balance provided to BOE Preliminary Tax Cap projection Building & Department budget discussions with Administrators
January 2026	Update Fund Balance projection, Tax Cap Calculation & Revenue forecast w/Governor’s Aid projection (if available) Building & Department budget discussions with Administrators continued CBAC Meeting #1
February 2026	Update BOE on Budget
March 2026	CBAC Meeting #2
March 1, 2026	District must file its Tax Levy Limit calculation with the Office of the State Comptroller.
March 11, 2026 - BOE Work Session	Presentation of Budget Overview and Non-Instructional Budget
March 18, 2026 - BOE Regular Meeting	Presentation of Instructional Budget
April 2026	CBAC Meeting #3
Publication of Legal Notice - Budget Vote 1st - April 1, 2026 2nd - April 15, 2026 3rd - April 29, 2026 4th - May 13, 2026	Legal notice of date, time, and place of School Budget Hearing and Annual budget Vote/Election. Must advertise 4 times within 7 weeks, with the first legal notice published at least 45 days before the Annual Budget Vote. Notice should appear in two general circulation newspapers.
April 15, 2026 - BOE Work Session	CBAC Report to BOE
April 20, 2026 - no later than 5 p.m	Deadline to Submit Nominating Petitions for BOE candidacy to District Clerk
April 21, 2026 - BOE Regular Meeting	Budget Adoption - (prior to April 25, 2025) BOE must adopt budget in time to prepare and submit property tax report card (see below) BOCES Budget Vote (BOE vote not required, but vote must be held on this date to be counted)
April 22, 2026	Property Tax Report Card submitted to NYS Education Department and local newspapers of record by the end of the next business day following adoption of the report card, but no later than 24 days prior to Budget Vote (4/27/26).
April 29, 2026	Budget and required documents must be made available to voters, upon request, at each school building, the District office, public library, and on the District’s website at least 7 days before the Budget Hearing date and at least 14 days before the Budget Vote.
May 6, 2026	Public Budget Hearing (must be 7-14 days prior to budget vote)
May 13, 2026	Mail 6-day budget notice to all qualified voters after the Budget Hearing, but no later than six days prior to Budget Vote.
May 19, 2026	Annual Meeting Statewide Budget Vote & Board of Education Election
June 16, 2026	Budget Re-vote if necessary (additional meetings and other requirements would apply)
	Adopted by BOE: November 19, 2025

Budget Newsletter - From the Heart

Westlake Campus is the Place to Be on Tuesday 5/19

What's in the Budget

Budget Fast Facts

Budget Presentations

2026-2027 Adopted Budget

Candidate Information

There are two Board of Education seats with terms expiring on June 30, 2026.

Petitions were due by Monday, April 20, by 5 p.m.

The following candidates (in ballot order) returned their board petitions.

Laura Michalec Olszewski

Occupation: I am the Assistant Regional Chief Judge for a Federal Government agency. Prior to my appointment, I was a trial attorney with Immigration & Customs Enforcement, working in a maximum-security prison.

Education: Proud Westlake High School graduate. I received my undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, my law degree from Fordham University School of Law, and a master's degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Community Involvement: I have served on the School Board since 2017, working on numerous committees and serving several terms as Board Vice President. Prior to joining the Board, I was secretary of the WMS PTA, a Cub Scout leader for Hawthorne Pack One for over 10 years, and Scoutmaster for Mount Pleasant Troop 125. I have also been involved with Westlake Players, Holy Rosary Church's adult and bell choirs, Parish Council, and annual Christmas pageant.

Why are you running? As a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident, I have dedicated my career to public service. I want to continue advocating for the best possible education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner, always with an eye on our community's values and expectations.

What is your overall vision for the school district? Our district should foster a safe environment where students develop a love of learning. I have witnessed incredible growth during my tenure, but we can do more to challenge students academically and help them think critically in an ever-changing world.

What are the most important responsibilities of the BOE? Ensuring fiscal responsibility, maintaining academic rigor, and remaining responsive to community concerns while holding our district to the highest standards.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? Helping pass an instructional bond with zero net tax increase, leading to facility upgrades and improved safety and security. I am also proud of the strength of our special education department and the continued success of our graduating seniors gaining acceptance to increasingly competitive colleges and universities.

Sara M.
Beaty

Occupation: I am the Principal Court Attorney for a NYS Supreme Court Justice. The entirety of my legal career has focused on public service.

Education: I received my undergraduate degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 2002 and my law degree from Albany Law School in 2005.

Community Involvement: I have served on the Board of Education since February 2020. In addition, I serve on the District’s Audit, Budget, and Finance Committee. I have been a member of the Mt. Pleasant Education Foundation since 2018, and now serve as their board member liaison. I served on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for three years before serving on the Board. I am also a member of many local bar associations, and serve on the Board of the Rockland Community College Legal Advisory Studies Board.

Why are you running? I am running for re-election because of my experience in leadership matters. This District has accomplished so much in recent years, benefiting the entire Mt. Pleasant community, and I feel blessed to have been part of the team leading our progress. However, there is still more work to do, and I feel that my experience and background, combined with my love of our children, community, and volunteerism, truly matter in this role.

What is your overall vision for the School District? I envision a future of continued growth and progress that aligns with our community’s core values. For a District the size of Mt. Pleasant, the number of programs and services we offer is amazing, and I see that trend continuing, especially with the help of all of our tireless parent volunteers.

What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the BOE? To enhance programs and opportunities for every student, including general and special education students, in a transparent and fiscally responsible way while preserving the qualities and characteristics that make Mt. Pleasant unique and special.

What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time as a Board Member? During my time on the Board, our District has added over $50,000,000 in tax-neutral capital and instructional improvements, and increased our credit rating to an AA+. I am proud of the District’s many improvements, including enhanced safety and security, a stronger focus on the trades and science research, expanded foreign language instruction in elementary schools, new math and literacy programs, growth in our music and arts programs, and the addition of UPK. I am also encouraged by the many ways the District has increased student and parent engagement.

Tracey
Pisano

Occupation: For the past 22 years, I have worked as a special education teacher in The Bronx, teaching students from kindergarten through eighth grade. In the last few years, I have focused on fourth grade inclusion.

Education: I received my bachelor’s degree from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and my Master’s in Early Elementary & Special Education from Mercy College.

Community Involvement: I have coached AYSO soccer for several seasons, which has taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and providing kids with a positive outlet to grow and have fun. I have also volunteered for PTA events over the years, including collecting donations and selling raffles at the annual Father-Daughter Dance. Currently, I'm collecting book donations to keep our town's lending libraries well stocked.

Why are you running? I want to be a voice for our students, our teachers, and our families. I want to ensure every child, no matter what their background, has access to excellent teachers, safe learning environments, and the resources they need to succeed.

What is your overall vision for the school district? I want our school district to be one where every child has the chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and graduates ready for college, career, and a meaningful life. At the heart of it all are strong teachers who are empowered and respected, and a system that puts students first in every decision we make. That’s the kind of district I want to help build.

What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the Board of Education? To set a clear vision and high standards for every student’s success and then hold ourselves accountable to meet them. We must also be careful stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring our budget prioritizes classrooms, teachers, and students' needs. Above all, we must ensure that every child in our district has access to a safe, equitable, and excellent education.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time as a Board member? I believe every child in our community deserves excellent schools that prepare them to succeed in life. My vision is simple: safe, equitable, high-performing schools where every student feels valued and supported, and where families and teachers are true partners. If elected, I will focus on setting high standards, being a responsible steward of our resources, listening to our community, and putting students first in every decision. I’m ready to bring fresh energy, real-world perspective, and a deep commitment to making our schools the best they can be. I’d be honored to earn your support.

Meet the Candidates Forum

Voting and Registration Information

VOTER REGISTRATION

To cast a vote, you must be registered with the school district OR with the Westchester County Board of Elections and have voted at least once in the past four years (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022).

To register to vote, you must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the District for at least 30 days before the vote.

Please note that if you are registered to vote in Westchester County but have since moved to the Mount Pleasant Central School District, you must be registered with the County at your Mount Pleasant address to be eligible to vote.

YOU MAY REGISTER from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. AT: The Westchester County Board of Elections, or download the form and mail it to the Westchester County Board of Elections, or bring it to 445 Hamilton Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601,

Download the Voter Registration Form English

Download the Voter Registration Form Spanish

Absentee/Early Voter Ballot Information

ABSENTEE BALLOT & EARLY MAIL VOTER APPLICATIONS AND BALLOTS

If you are registered to vote and will not be in Westchester County on the date of the Annual Budget Vote/School Board Election,
you may be eligible to apply for an absentee ballot.

Also, the New York Early Mail Voter Act establishes early mail voting for the adoption of the Annual Budget Vote/School Board Election
as well as referenda for any qualified voter.

To receive an absentee or early mail voter ballot, an application must first be completed. An application can be requested from the School District Clerk or downloaded below. The absentee and early mail voter ballot application must be completed and returned to the School District Clerk either in person or by U.S. Mail prior to receiving the actual absentee or early mail voter ballot. If the ballot is to be mailed, the application must be received seven (7) days before the vote. If the ballot is to be picked up by either the voter or his/her designated agent, as specified on the application, the application must be received one (1) day before the vote.

The District Clerk must receive the completed absentee or early mail voter ballot by 5:00 pm on May 19, 2026, the day of the vote.

Absentee Ballot Application

Download the Absentee Ballot Application English

Download the Absentee ballot application spanish

Early Mail Voter Application

Download the Early Mail Voter Application English

Download the Early Mail Voter Application Spanish

Para leer esta información en español, cambie el idioma usando el menú desplegable en la parte superior derecha de esta página o haga clic aquí.

Special Voter Registration Evening: Westlake High School Lobby, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

You may also register at the District Office: 825 West Lake Drive, Thornwood, during normal business hours through Thursday, May 14, 2026, which is the deadline to register to vote. Registrations received after May 14, 2026, will be added to next year's registration list.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE REGISTERED WITH THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AT YOUR MOUNT PLEASANT CSD ADDRESS, THERE IS NO NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Superintendent's Budget Message

Dear Mount Pleasant Central School District Residents,

Last night, the Board of Education adopted the Proposed 2026-2027 Budget, which is tax-cap compliant, in the amount of $82,851,333. It results in an estimated 2.18% increase in the tax rate, which is lower than this year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase of 2.63%. This is an estimated annual tax increase of $272.51, based on an average assessment of $8,500. Importantly, the proposed levy falls short of the allowable tax cap by more than $691,000, reflecting the district's continued commitment to responsible fiscal management. The 2026-2027 proposal marks the 15th consecutive year in which the Mount Pleasant Central School District has presented a budget in compliance with the state-mandated tax cap legislation and the first time we have presented a budget below the allowable tax cap.

The operational budget has been constructed to align with our values. With student achievement, wellness, and safety serving as our fundamental principles, this budget has been developed in accordance with our Strategic Plan and the Portrait of a Mount Pleasant Learner framework. Each allocation is designed to support student success, fostering confidence that the district prioritizes educational excellence and well-being while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In developing the 2026-2027 budget, particular emphasis was placed on the following domains: instructional programming, safety and security, professional development, student wellness, and facilities management. Significant budgetary provisions include:

Continued implementation of literacy and math initiatives that are already showing results. Data from our newly implemented literacy programs show reading gains across every grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade, and sixth graders using Eureka Math² improved their proficiency from 65% to 71% in a single year.
Expansion of the Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES) program to grades K-2 at Hawthorne, building on the current program in grades 3-5, along with the introduction of Personal Finance Education at the middle and high school levels.
Additional sections of Algebra, Biology, and Spanish at Westlake Middle School to accommodate a large cohort and support smaller class sizes in 8th grade.
Launch of Syracuse University Project Advance dual enrollment courses at Westlake High School, giving students access to transferable college credit.
Establishment of The Harbor, a new structured support program at the Westlake campus for middle and high school students experiencing emotional challenges, keeping them engaged in meaningful academic work with appropriate guidance.
Continuation of our shared School Resource Officer with the Town of Mt. Pleasant, full-time security coordinator, and ongoing implementation of long-term safety audit recommendations, including expanded cameras, 30 additional radios, formalized threat assessment teams, an additional security officer, and a new security booth at the Westlake campus entrance.
Construction is underway at Hawthorne Elementary and Westlake High School, modernizing libraries, science labs, makerspaces, arts spaces, and a new engineering lab, with classroom additions at both Hawthorne and Columbus and ventilation upgrades across the district.
Finalization of an Energy Performance Contract to bring air cooling to Westlake Middle School through solar-generated energy savings, and capital fund investments to complete the Career Research Academy space and address emerging health and safety needs.

Detailed budget materials, voting procedures, and information about Board of Education candidates will be available on our Budget Website.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Westlake High School gymnasium. Polling hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For absentee and early mail-voter ballot information, please visit the budget section of the website at www.mtplcsd.org/board-of-education/budget. Please contact our District Clerk, Mary Beth Mancuso, at 914-769-5500, ext. 5105, or mbmancuso@mtplcsd.org . Completed absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools!

With best regards,