June 22, 2011: With the approval of a global settlement relating to the Liberty Mutual/Picco Construction litigation at its June 16 meeting, the Bronxville Board of Education stands ready to move forward with long-term plans and programs.

"We are pleased to bring the issue to a close," said Board President James Hudson.  "Litigation has long burdened and cast a shadow over the board's planning for many years.  We can now step back and take a fresh look at our long-term facility needs."

The board unanimously resolved to transfer an amount not to exceed $1 million from the liability and casualty claims reserve fund to the undesignated/unreserved fund to cover the $508,846 settlement.  Any transfer of funds above the settlement amount will provide the flexibility needed to meet the four percent statutory capital requirement in the undesignated/unreserved fund balance.

The board also unanimously resolved to transfer an amount not to exceed $2 million from the undesignated/unreserved fund to the district-wide capital reserve fund to fund future needs for the school building. The transfer provides the maximum funding as approved by the referendum.  Although any capital improvements that are made will need the authority of a future referendum, the district will not need to borrow funds.

Citing the need for telephone communications and public address upgrades, the board discussed and approved transfers to building improvements for a one-time expenditure of $370,000.  Dan Carlin, assistant superintendent for business, stated that current reserves provide the resources needed for the upgrade, although it isn't a capital improvement project.

"It's partially a safety issue," Carlin said.  "There are parts of the property outside that have no public address coverage."

Carlin further stated that time is of the essence in upgrading the phone and public address system because there is the possibility that the district will have to operate under a two percent cap rate in the future, if state legislation to that effect is passed.

Pierre de Saint Phalle, finance committee chair, suggested that, in planning for long-range budget workshops to be held in the fall, board members should keep desired improvements in mind.  He stated that new programs, improvement of existing programs, and enhanced delivery systems all deserve consideration.  While the board looks for ways to save money, members might also formulate a list of improvements they'd like to accomplish if the district could afford them.

"The other side of the cost issue is to evaluate and possibly eliminate items for which demand has diminished," said board member Denise Tormey.  She also suggested the board evaluate options for shared services with neighboring districts.

Board member Richard Rugani stated that consideration of the timing of facilities upgrades, when projects are begun and completed, as well as needed resources and incremental costs, should be part of long-range budget planning.

In other business, the board accepted grants from the Bronxville School Foundation for hollow blocks for kindergarten and concession stand equipment, as well as grants from the foundation's special education gift fund for a SMART Board for the middle school and high school resource room and a sensory room for special education students.

The board also welcomed members and parents of the Bronxville Chess Team to the meeting.  Chess players were commended for their accomplishments during the school year.  Everyone enjoyed a slide-show presentation of the team's activities.

The Bronxville Board of Education will hold its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30 pm in the school board room.

Pictured here:  The Bronxville Chess Team attending the June 16 Board of Education meeting.  Students were commended by the school board for their outstanding accomplishments in the national chess tournament as well as throughout the year.

Photo by Carol Bartold