Mount Vernon ranks 38th in teachers' median salaries among the 44 Westchester districts, according to state union officials.

The Westchester district differs from others in the state in that its focus is on urban conservation, and not agricultural.

"Some of the Westchester districts have noted that their life science curriculums are similar to the ninth-grade Regents," he explained.

He added: "Most Westchester districts want administrators with experience.

Being in a prestigious Westchester district like Ardsley gives Tuckahoe a certain comfort level.

Most Westchester districts also do not qualify for the new class of state aid to high-tax counties.

Bronxville, like most Westchester districts, has seen its population creep steadily upward.

Westchester districts sustained upward of a 50 to 60 percent reduction in their state aid.

Most Westchester districts receive a far smaller percentage of their budgets from the state, so local taxes make up the bulk of school budgets.

Only some Westchester districts get aid, and it amounts to a total of $1.2 million.