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Last month, the Board ratified a $250,121,473 spending plan that represents a budget-to-budget increase of more than $4 million (1.90 percent) and a tax levy increase of 1.99 percent, which falls under the cap.
The budget represents no class size increases and no program cuts, with a three-year, district-wide technology initiative that will expand the use of Google Chromebooks for students and teachers. In total, more than $10 million would be pledged to facilities maintenance and other capital projects that will make the entire district more environmentally friendly.
If approved, for the first time in six years, the district will maintain a fund balance that will improve fiscal health, while “identifying cost efficiencies, including: energy savings, reduced reliance on staff overtime, targeted reduction of antiquated staff positions coupled with the addition of needed staff roles and tighter oversight of time and materials.”
Officials in the school district, like many of their colleagues around the county, continue to be handcuffed by rising benefits costs and unfunded mandates. In total, employee salaries and benefits contribute to nearly 75 percent of budget expenditures.
The budget includes allotments for part-time resource room staff members in three elementary schools, with “a full continuum of special education services.” The board also budgeted for professional development as it seeks to attract top, young teaching talent.
“As staff retires, new staff is identified for training. We have made a long-term investment in program development, professional development and intervention implementation,” the board said in a joint release.
New Rochelle residents will have the opportunity to vote on the budget Tuesday, May 19. A sample ballot can be found here, with a list of the 13 polling places for each district here.
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