The New Rochelle Board of Education voted in favor of a budget that will go before voters in May.

Leaders with the district say due to financial challenges, they're having to make some difficult choices. However, families, teachers and staff are pushing back.

"This is a very scary impact of what could happen to us," says Brenda, who is a New Rochelle parent.

The proposed budget includes a 3.95% tax levy increase.

The district already faces a $20 million deficit. The superintendent says that's a result of several factors, like the pandemic, rising costs in transportation and the use of district reserves.

This budget is aiming to close that gap.

That includes cuts to the workforce, which is close to 200 positions.

"We do anticipate some layoffs, this is not an easy decision to make, we understand there's peoples lives, people's livelihoods that are effected by this decision," says Dr. Corey Reynolds, who is the superintendent of the City School District of New Rochelle.

Officials with the district say the reductions to the workforce would begin with vacant positions, retirements and attrition, before considering layoffs.

Teachers and staff are fighting back.

"It's terrifying, it seems unmanageable to us and we need the board to re-examine its choices," says Mary Claire Breslin, president of the New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees.

The Board of Education voted in favor of the proposed budget Thursday evening.

A public hearing is happening May 6.

Voters will cast their ballots May 20.

Since the proposed tax rate is above the tax cap, 60% "yes" votes are needed for it to pass.

You can read more about the budget proposal here.