The Mount Vernon City School District is proposing a $276 million budget for the upcoming school year, an increase of $4 million from last year.

The plan includes a 1.9% tax increase, which is just under New York State's 2% tax cap.

"Last year, they actually started off with a deficit budget. This year, same thing. I was recovering from a deficit budget, also paying bills from previous years, which we're finally getting caught up on," said Mount Vernon Superintendent Demario Strickland.

Strickland acknowledges the years of financial mess the district has been in. Last year, three schools closed and more than 100 school employees were laid off.

"We need to ultimately improve our fund balance, you know, our reserves, because we don't know what the landscape is for our federal government," said Strickland.

Residents tell News 12 they're not sure enough is being done.

"I would like to see them clean house. Look at a staffing study, look at where they can save money before they come asking for more money," said Mount Vernon resident Tamala Boyd.

"A lot of the budget should be focused on the kids with special needs. There should be more resources, better teachers, better programs for the kids," said Mount Vernon resident Rynda Tedeschi.

Residents say they're hopeful things will improve now that the district has help from a fiscal monitor.

"We have a lot of things to address, but mainly it's around infrastructure and finances, which those are large, heavy costs," said Strickland.

There will be another opportunity to listen to the proposed budget on April 21.

Voters will weigh in on May 19.