After budget workshops that began last fall and continued into spring, the Bronxville Board of Education adopted a school budget of $45,359,909, representing a budget-to-budget in crease of 2.53%, and tax levy increase of 2.44%. The tax levy increase is below the calculated tax levy cap of 3.23%, in which debt service and excess retirement contributions are exempted. For the budget presentation (prior to the April adjustments), go here.
The key drivers of the budget increase were mandatory retirement increases and health benefit premiums, neither of which are under local control. Budget pressures were eased by voluntary wage freeze from administrators, a retirement incentive, and a $100,000 increase in state aid that found its way into the final state budget.
Along the way the Board considered but ultimately rejected program reductions in music, high school electives, and other enrichment elements in the course of study.
Discussing the proposed budget, Board members raised questions about an across the board 2% reduction in all discretionary categories, replacing a physical education vacancy, and the potential need for an additional kindergarten section. Ultimately, all these options were incorporated into the final budget, including allocating an additional $100,000 of the budget to offset tax increases.
The budget hearing will be held on May 9, and the statewide budget vote is slated for May 21. A budget information bulletin will be sent to all residents in early May.
