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. 

Board Awards Bids for Auditorium and Science Lab Renovations

District architects and construction managers presented the Bronxville Board of Education with their analysis and recommendations for awarding bids for the auditorium and science lab renovations.  Erik Wilson of KG&D and James Woycik of Park East explained the process of advertising, opening bids on December 17, and the review the scope of work with the low bidders.  Additional steps were taken to verify that the low bidders were qualified and responsible. The District has successful previous experience with three of the four contractors, and our construction manager has had positive results with the fourth. Board President David Brashear remarked,

In a building as old as ours, reinvestment is a required aspect to the strategic planning of the district.  This Board has done an exceptional job of weighing the facilities needs of our district, and I look forward to successful completion of the project at hand.

Board members raised a number of questions about union issues, the importance of closing in the addition in a timely fashion, the impact of construction parking,  noise, and the preservation of certain trees.

The proposed bids were reviewed by the Facilities Committee earlier in the month, and the Board approved the following contracts:

Trade	# Bids	Award	Amount
General Construction	8	Kenstar Construction	$4,199,673
Plumbing	8	Pearl River Plumbing	$342,772
HVAC	10	Mengler Mechanical, Inc.	$1,076,200
Electrical	4	Lippolis Electric, Inc.	$1,400,000
		Total	$7,018,645

The next steps involve mobilizing the work force and establishing a construction zone, shown below, which will occupy the side of the School's front lawn nearest the auditorium.  Construction is expected to begin mid-February, and the science lab renovations are expected by be completed over the summer. The presentation can be found here.

Quattrone Proposes 2014-15 Calendar

At the January Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David Quattrone presented a draft calendar for the 2014-15 school year.  The Board will review and vote on the calendar next month. Quattrone explained that the beginning and end points are essentially fixed by the State.  Student days may not begin before Labor Day or extend beyond Regents Rating Day. For this coming school year Labor Day is September 2 and Regents Rating Day is June 26, 2015.  Between those two points, the Bronxville School, by contract, must schedule 183 student days and 185 teacher days.  The proposed calendar can be found here.

Quattrone explained a new approach to Election Day, November 4th. In order to support the school's safety and security program, Mayor Mary Marvin has agreed to locate the polling place off school property. This protects the school from a large influx of adults on that day.  As a result, school will be in regular session on Election Day.  Superintendent's Conference Day will be held on Monday November 10, facilitating a long weekend for students around Veterans Day -- there will be no school for students on November 10 and 11.

Probationary Teachers and Tenure Candidates

This coming April the Board of Education will act upon the Superintendent's recommendations regarding tenure.  This message reminds parents that the process includes an opportunity for them to share their perceptions, positive or negative, with building principals, either informally or in writing. Written statements are shared with the teachers concerned. The list of tenure candidates and probationary teachers can be found here.