Eastchester Passes 2026-2027 School Budget: A Message from Dr. Villanueva

Dear Eastchester Faculty, Families and Community,

It is with deep gratitude and great appreciation that I can share tonight, our community passed both Proposition One: the school budget at 2.35% for the 2026-2027 school year, and Proposition Two: a revised busing proposal across the district. 

On behalf of the Board of Education and District Administration, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Eastchester community for its support throughout this process. We have witnessed a tremendous commitment to our schools from every corner of the Eastchester community. We are deeply grateful to our PTA organizations, teachers, staff, administrators, students, families, and community members for their engagement, advocacy, thoughtful questions, and unwavering dedication to our schools.

I recognize that this process brought uncertainty, difficult conversations, and at times, differing perspectives. The decisions required to bring forward a budget within the tax cap were not easy, and the impact of those decisions has been felt throughout our school community.

This vote represents more than the approval of a financial plan; it reflects a collective commitment to preserving the educational opportunities, programs, and experiences that define our schools and support the success of our children.

The outcome of this vote brings relief and renewed hope. 

Throughout this process, I have been continually reminded of how deeply this community cares about its schools. Residents expressed differing perspectives, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in passionate conversations about the future of our district. While opinions varied on how best to move forward, there was a common thread that united us all: a shared belief that our students deserve the very best we can provide. Civility, Compassion and Conversation helped us move through together.

The work now turns to implementation. As a district, we remain committed to operating responsibly, seeking efficiencies wherever possible, and advocating for the resources necessary to sustain excellence in public education. We will continue to listen, communicate openly, and work collaboratively with our families and community members as we navigate the impacts of these changes. And in the most immediate, a plan for the adjustment to our transportation model will be shared with the community so families can begin to plan for next year. 

As soon as our next update is ready, it will be shared out to all families immediately.

Tonight, we celebrate an important victory for our students and our schools. Tomorrow, we continue the important work of ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has access to outstanding educational opportunities and a school system worthy of this community's support.

“Four campuses, Four Pillars, One Vision, Elevate Eastchester”

And, as our attention refocuses on the end of this school year, we look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments of our students and staff. In the next week, we will gather for moving-up ceremonies, concerts, awards celebrations, and graduation, moments that remind us of the promise, and purpose at the heart of our work at Eastchester. These celebrations also provide an opportunity to reflect on all that we have accomplished together and to begin moving forward with renewed optimism. The Eastchester School District remains committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities while placing the needs and well-being of all our students at the center of every decision we make. We are excited about the future and confident in the strength, resilience, and spirit of this community.

Thank you for your engagement, your advocacy, and your commitment to the future of Eastchester. 

With deep gratitude and on behalf of all of our Eastchester schools,

Dr. Villanueva