Board Reviews Proposed Budget

On February 1, the Bronxville Board of Education held the first of two workshops devoted to an analysis of the proposed school budget for 2014-15.  President David Brashear opened the meeting, saying,

We recognize that this community is committed to excellence in our schools, and expects a top-tier program across all levels. We also recognize that the tax burden driven by our schools is substantial . . . and that district spending must be managed tightly.

Superintendent David Quattrone then presented an overview:

This spending plan represents a 2.2% budget-to-budget increase -- a fraction of a percent over the mandated tax levy cap.  For that reason, we believe the responsible approach is to seek additional revenue and trim costs rather than considering wholesale program reductions.

In addition to supporting present programs, the proposed budget addresses three priorities:

• managing enrollment increases
• ensuring all students succeed
• addressing common core learning standards and instructional technology.

The Board probed extensively the plans for dealing with enrollment increases, raising questions about the projections, class size, and other staffing options.

Last year, the Board added a kindergarten teacher when registrations exceeded expectations, and Quattrone agreed to monitor trends again this year.  The current budget includes:

• An additional section at grade 2, resulting in an estimated class size of 21
• Program improvements at grade 5. By adding more time for science, technology, and skills summary, there will be more time for half-group instruction, effectively reducing class size while strengthening the course of study.
• Adding two sections of English and two sections of mathematics at the middle school
• Rotating electives at the high school as a way of reducing the variation in class size.

Other program improvements include the restoration of a psychologist, primarily at the elementary level, and contracting with BOCES for technology resources designed to ensure that students get consistent access to technology as an essential resource for learning.

Following this overview Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin described the budget drivers and revenue sources that comprise the budget.

• The effective tax cap for Bronxville is 1.88%.
• The budget includes 2.1 new positions.
• The proposed budget, as it stands, requires a reduction of $106,903 in order to meet the cap.
• We anticipate slight reductions in retirement contributions and health care premiums that will narrow the gap.

Board members pointed out that 77% of the budget is devoted to salary and benefits. The options for changing the structure of the budget are limited and exist at the margins.  The budget will be updated at the regular meetings in February and March and also at the budget workshop on March 1.