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Proposed Bronxville School Budget for 2014-2015 Starts with $1 Million Increase, 2.15% Tax Levy Increase

Feb. 5, 2014:  The Bronxville Board of Education, at its February 1 budget workshop, considered a $46.3 million draft budget for 2014-2015, driven by shifts in enrollment distribution rather than a significant increase in overall enrollment numbers.

The proposed budget reflects a 2.2%, approximately $1 million, increase over the 2013-2014 budget.

A tax levy of $40.4 million would be needed to fund the 2014-2015 budget as presented. Dan Carlin, assistant superintendent for business, explained that although the proposed budget indicates a 2.15% tax increase over 2013-2014, the district's calculated allowable tax levy cap stands at 1.88%. New York State mandates a maximum allowable 2% tax levy cap.

To comply with the allowable cap, the district would need to reduce the proposed budget by $106,903 through a combination of increased revenues and decreased expenses.

"We believe the best approach is to increase revenues and trim costs rather than consider reductions in programs or reductions in workforce," said David Quattrone, superintendent. "We're in a strong position to be able to do that."

Quattrone stated that the district’s 2014-2015 spending plan comprises three goals:

  • Manage enrollment increases

  • Ensure that all students succeed

  • Address Common Core standards and instructional technology

Although total enrollment at the school has increased by 178 students since 2010 to a record total of 1,717 students, the district anticipates only a slight increase, to 1,726, for 2014-2015. Shifts in the distribution of students across a few grades and the needs of students in key areas have led the board and administrators to address not only adding staffing, but also realigning existing staff resources.

Salaries and related personnel benefits account for almost 77% of the total budget.

The proposed budget adds 2.1 full-time-equivalent (FTE) staff members to address the school's changing needs.

To relieve the current over-500-to-1 student/psychologist ratio, one of the highest student loads in Westchester County, the budget restores one full-time psychologist position to provide direct student support. The district also plans to add a partial position (.4 FTE) to address the rising number of students needing skills support.

Two additional partial positions, in fifth grade science (.2 FTE) and music (.1 FTE), are planned. With fifth grade enrollment expected to increase to 152 students from the current 139, Quattrone stated that the increased staffing plus the realignment of a partial technology position (.2 FTE) would facilitate half-group instruction in the classroom and effectively reduce class size.

A projected bump in second grade enrollment to 126 students from 111 has prompted the district to propose adding one class section.

In the middle school, a redistribution of current staffing from advisory would allow the addition of two English and two mathematics sections, reducing average class size for those subjects to 21.7 students. Quattrone noted that average class size in other subjects would remain at 25 students.

The proposed 2014-2015 budget calls for rotating elective offerings in the high school to even out class size. All electives would be available to students twice during their time in the high school.

On the administrative side, the budget calls for a new director of curriculum/director of operations partial position (.4 FTE). This position, along with the reassignment of a full-time vacant teacher aide position to technology, will address requirements of the new Common Core standards.

The administration and board of education will continue to review and analyze the budget and look for expense reductions without compromising the program.

"We recognize that this community is committed to excellence in our schools and expects a top-tier program across all levels," said David Brashear, board president. "We also recognize that the tax burden driven by our schools in the community is substantial." He pledged that the board, along with the administration, will construct a budget that continues to support the best educational program while demonstrating fiscal discipline.

The Bronxville Board of Education will hold its second budget workshop on Saturday, March 1, at 9:00 am in the school's multipurpose room.

Pictured here:  The Bronxville School in the snow.

Photo by A. Warner

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