As a next step the finance committee will study private school transportation to determine if additional savings can be found. The Board has also asked the administration to identify program reductions that would mean zero growth. In order to achieve a 0% budget increase the Board would need to make additional reductions of 9.2 teaching positions. Based on the last several budget cycles, the likely reductions would entail significant increases in class size and reductions in skills support, Middle School exploratory programs, and High School electives.
The next budget workshop is on Saturday, March 3 at 9 AM in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Earlier in the meeting, Superintendent David Quattrone described regional advocacy regarding the tax cap. The Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents and the Putnam Westchester School Boards Association are joining forces with Rob Astorino, County Executive, and state legislators to focus attention on unfunded mandates. Such mandates are presenting severe challenges to local districts as they try to comply with the 2% tax levy cap. The coalition is likely to focus on three key issues: required employer contributions to state pension systems, health insurance premiums, and the Triborough amendment that guarantees annual step increases in employee salaries. Each of these elements in its own right can drive up expenditures beyond the 2% level. The cumulative effect of such cost drivers leads to major reductions in school programs and services.
