Assistant Superintendent Dan Carlin gave the Board of Education a preview of a 1.23% budget to budget increase in the school budget for next year. This "rollover budget" of $44.6 million represents what it would cost in 2010-2011 to operate the same programs and services as are in place now, including known salary obligations, health benefit costs, utility rates, and retirement contributions. The projected increase is less than half of the budget-to-budget increase presented last year, and in percentage terms it is considerably lower than other Westchester School districts.
The rollover budget would be substantially higher had it not been for salary savings accruing from retirement incentives, unfilled vacancies, streamlined services, and other actions taken over the past year. It includes no funds for teacher salary increases other than the step advances required by law. Teachers, custodians, aides, and the clerical unit all have contracts that expire in June 2010, and negotiations have begun.
Getting to Zero
Last October the Board approved a financial goal that reads as follows:
Conduct a comprehensive budget review that minimizes taxpayer expense. Budget options resulting in flat and lower taxes will be considered.
To reach 0%, the Board must reduce the rollover budget by about $542,000. At the February 6th budget workshop, the administration will present a series of budget options based on the school profiles prepared by the principals. These profiles - available in the archives of this newsletter - describe the staffing levels, mandated programs, enrichment programs, and student services available at each school. The budget options prepared for the Board spell out possible productivity improvements, program reductions, and structural changes.
These budget options will be discussed and communicated over the next two months until a final budget is ready for Board approval. All workshops and regular meetings are open to the public.
