Written by Carol P. Bartold

Mar. 25, 2015: The Bronxville Board of Education continues to consider two options to fund its approximately $46.4 million budget for 2015-2016.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Dan Carlin presented the board with options for a 1.39% tax levy increase or a 1.10% tax levy increase at the board's March 19 meeting.

Carlin has calculated that approximately $41.5 million in budget funding will be needed from the local tax levy and district fund balance reserves to fund the budget. The district has used fund balance reserves for several years to offset tax levy increases.

While most of the remaining revenue will come from state aid, Carlin advised the board that the New York State Education Office has not yet provided the district with a figure representing funding for 2015-2016. The proposed budget and tax levy increase options are based on the 2014-2015 state aid the district received. Carlin expects to have a more definitive state aid figure by the board's April 21 meeting. 

A tax levy increase of 1.39% would generate $40.8 million of the $41.5 million needed for the 2015-2016 budget and leave $735,000 to be funded by fund balance reserves. A 1.10% tax levy increase would generate $40.7 million, leaving $850,000 to be funded by fund balance reserves.

Board member Jeff Rohr pointed out that the projected $46.4 million budget for the 2015-2016 budget includes almost $1.5 million for the addition of several new positions to accommodate program changes, increased enrollment, and the movement of large cohorts through the schools. He further added, "We have a once-in-a-decade benefit of an $800,000 reduction in the employee retirement system cost for one year and we're taking advantage of it."

The cost reduction will allow the district to add one full-time elementary school teacher, two full-time secondary school mathematics and science teachers, a full-time director of instructional technology, and a half-time auditorium coordinator.

Total district fund balance reserves, both unassigned and restricted, under each budget option are projected to be approximately $8.3 million.

The Bronxville Board of Education will adopt a budget at its April 21 meeting, as required by law, and present it for voter approval at the May 19 annual election.

Pictured here (L to R): Superintendent Dr. David Quattrone and board members Christopher Atayan, Dr. Mary Giuffra, and Jeff Rohr at the March 19 budget meeting.

Photo by Carol P. Bartold