On Feb. 27 I will present the first draft budget proposal for the 2012-13 school year.  This preliminary spending plan sets the stage for a six-week process of detailed review and analysis of every item in the budget and  opportunities for questions and discussion among the Board members and also with the public. The goal is to adopt a budget that best meets the needs of both our students and our residents by April 16, 2012.

What Is Different in 2012-13
A new NYS property law limits the annual growth of property taxes levied by local governments and school districts.  We estimate the cap for the Pelham Schools will be in the range of 2 to 2.5%. Any increase beyond the cap would  require approval by 60% of the voters not  a simple majority. 

The Board of Education asked me to develop a budget that abides by the cap.  While no  final figures are available at this time, we project that approximately $1.8 million must be reduced if we are to be within the cap and cover the costs of contractual and other required increases.

Elementary Reconfiguration
On January 23, the Board directed me to develop a budget based on the current configuration of four K-5 neighborhood elementary schools.  The Board, however, agreed to further study the educational and financial benefits of pairing schools:  Colonial (as a K-2 school) with Hutchinson (as a 3-5 school) and Siwanoy (K-2)  with Prospect Hill (3-5) more thoroughly. The Board will determine a process for that study.

Across the Board Budget Cuts
At recent School Board and PTA  meetings, through emails, and at our Community Forum and Neighbor to Neighbor meetings, we have heard numerous suggestions for  potential areas for cuts. I assure you all ideas are under review, including all levels of staffing.   School Board member Douglas Hearle will present a summary of the ideas resulting from the Community Forum at the Feb. 6 Board meeting.

Please continue to check our website for more information.

Sincerely,

Dennis R. Lauro, Ed. D.