By Carol P. Bartold     

May 20, 2015:  The second time proved successful for the Bronxville Board of Education's plan to reconfigure Hayes Field. Village voters gave a decisive approval for the allocation of up to $1.8 million of the District Wide Improvements Capital Reserve Fund to reconfigure Hayes Field as an artificial turf athletic field. The number of votes cast in favor of allocating the funds was 951, while 546 votes were cast against the plan. 

A total of 1,625 votes were cast in the annual election and referendum. The number of affidavit ballots cast was 209, which will be counted once verified. 

After voters narrowly rejected a referendum on January 22 to allocate up to $2.2 million of the fund to reconfigure Hayes Field, the board decided to present a revised design that eliminates permanent on-campus parking areas from the plan and keeps the elementary school play and kickball areas intact. 

"I would like to thank the community at large for their interest in this proposition," said Denise Tormey, board president. "The dialogue has been extensive. I cannot remember too many issues facing our community that have generated such passionate commentary on both sides."

By a count of 1,207 for and 349 against, voters approved the school district's proposed $46.4 million budget for 2015-2016, which reflects a tax levy increase of 1.39 percent. The tax levy increase complies with the district's calculated allowable tax levy cap and the state-mandated maximum 2 percent cap. 

Voters affirmed the slate of candidates as advanced by the Committee for the Non-Partisan Nomination and Election of School Trustees. Incumbent Jeff Rohr, currently serving his third year as trustee, received 1,178 votes and will serve a second term. Jon Atkeson received 1,121 votes and will begin his term at the board's July 2015 reorganization meeting. Tom Nichols received 1,142 votes and will serve in the seat held by Dr. James Hudson, who agreed to serve one year beyond his term in the seat held by Ruth Wood. 

"At this point I would like to urge all of us to revert to our roles as Bronxville neighbors and champions of The Bronxville School," Tormey said.

Pictured here:  Bronxville Village voters at the polls after 6:00 pm to vote on the Hayes Field referendum, the school budget, and three school board candidates.

Photo by N. Bower