Friday, April 20, 2012

Board Adopts $44 Million Budget




After four months of deliberation and public discussion, the Bronxville Board of Education adopted a $44,240,325 budget for 2012-13 -- essentially flat for the fourth consecutive year.  This spending plan represents a 1.46% budget-to-budget increase and a tax levy increase of less than 1%.  The .98% tax levy increase is well under the calculated tax cap of 1.51%.  The finance committee recommended final adjustments reflecting a $40,000 increase in state aid and an additional $110,000. The adopted budget will be presented  for final public comment on May 3, with a school budget vote on May 15, 2012.

The finance committee recommendations prompted a discussion of how best to allocate money to reserves, a topic that will be considered and acted upon in June when any actual surpluses will become apparent. Some Board members expressed concern about increasing the district's dependency on reserves to artificially lower the tax rate; others believe the district is over reserved in some accounts, such as certiorari or ERS funds.  There was also a question about how much should be added to the construction reserve.  For the upcoming budget year the Board voted to use $950,000 of reserves, up from $840,000 in the current year. Looking ahead to the next budget cycle, Board members requested more time to consider these alternatives prior to making decisions.

Board Awards Tenure to Three


At its April meeting the Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to three faculty members: Dr. Victor Maxwell (HS English), Dr. Karine Schaefer (HS English), and Jillian Tomlin (K-12 Psychologist). Superintendent David Quattrone recommended the three based on outstanding performance during a three-year probationary process.  The review process includes three annual observations and supervisory conferences.  In addition, members of the public are invited to offer written comment on tenure candidates.  Quattrone commented that all the candidates had fulfilled their duties in an excellent manner and had also contributed positively to the broader school culture.  A fourth faculty member, Christina Rivera, earned tenure earlier in the year when she completed her probationary term.



Thursday, April 19, 2012

Board Approves $850,000 Foundation Grant for Auditorium

The Bronxville Board of Education approved an $850,000 grant from the Bronxville School Foundation to support proposed renovations of the auditorium. The grant, the largest in the Foundation's history, was presented as a catalyst for the comprehensive renovation of this space. The Board's endorsement comes at a time when the Foundation, the PTA, and private donors are coalescing around a new, innovative design that expands the capacity of the space and adds significant value to what would otherwise fall short of community expectations.  The need for renovation has been established and reaffirmed through a series of architectural studies dating back to 2001.

From the Board's perspective, the private/public partnership makes this project achievable. A $3 million target for private donations includes the grant, the proceeds of this week's PTA benefit, and other individual contributions.  Accepting the grant is the first step in a process that will include Board consideration of transferring additional monies into the construction reserve and formal approval of a bond issue. The decision to proceed is scheduled for May or June of this year. 

Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin presented information showing that the cost of purchasing bonds is at an historic low (less than 3%) and that the cost of new debt will be offset by old debt falling off, thus reducing district expenditures. The presentation showed that a $5 million bond would cost the owner of a $1 million home about $140 per year.  In addition, the Board has currently allocated $2 million to a construction reserve and has indicated its intention to add more.

The grant was accepted by a 6-1 vote, with Chris Atayan dissenting on the grounds of affordability. President Jim Hudson stated the Board will vote on this project before the end of the school year, and ultimately a voter referendum is needed to move the project forward.  Assuming Board approval, such a vote is anticipated for the fall so that construction could begin as early as next summer.

For additional information about the project, go here.