The Beacon City School District is gearing up for its 2025-2026 budget vote on May 20, with officials highlighting the district's competitive tax rates compared to neighboring areas. During a recent budget presentation, it was revealed that homeowners in Beacon pay significantly less in school taxes than those in Wappingers, Arlington, and Hyde Park, despite the district offering robust educational programs.

The median home value in Beacon is estimated at $4,700, with a projected school tax of $3,127. This positions Beacon as one of the districts with the lowest tax rates in the county, a point emphasized to reassure residents about the value they receive for their investment in education.

In addition to the budget, three candidates—Meredith Ewer, Catherine Beshemi, and Semra Eerson—are running unopposed for open school board seats, making this vote particularly significant for community engagement.

Community outreach has been a priority, with officials attending PTO meetings and planning an in-person discussion at the Beacon Parks and Recreation Building. This effort aims to ensure transparency and gather feedback from parents and residents, especially focusing on professional development and mental health initiatives that emerged from a recent community survey.

Voting will take place from 6 AM to 9 PM at designated sites, including Beacon High School for city residents. The district encourages all community members to participate in the vote, reinforcing the importance of collective decision-making in shaping the future of education in Beacon.