School Budget Statements from SHS PTA, League of Women Voters and the PT Council

Here are three statements on the proposed 2013-14 school budget that will be voted on June 18th at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7 am to 9 pm.
Scarsdale High School PTA Exectuive Committee:

Dear Parents: It's finally here - the end of the school year at SHS! We are all looking forward to a safe and restorative summer, but there is one important thing that we all still need to do...VOTE ON TUESDAY JUNE 18TH!

After months of following the budget process, identifying the issues that face the high school and ensuring that those concerns were addressed, the vote on May 21st showed the executive committee of the SHS PTA that we reflected our entire community - deeply divided on some issues, but dedicated to the ideals of a Scarsdale public education. So it is important that we share our thinking on the newly adopted budget with you now.

The executive committee of the Scarsdale High School PTA unanimously supports the budget adopted by the Board of Education on June 3rd. It continues to address the needs that face our school with the anticipated increased enrollment, with regard to class size and an already overcrowded cafeteria situation. It addresses the safety and security of our students and faculty. The fitness center project has been tabled at this point to become part of a larger discussion on capital improvements for the school and the district as a whole. Therefore, all the issues we identified back in January are still being addressed in this budget as well as in the ongoing objectives of the Board of Education.

We don't believe that it is our role to tell you how to vote. We do believe it is the role of the PTA to communicate and educate all stakeholders throughout the budget process. We know you have probably heard it, but the result of the budget failing a second time would be drastic cuts at all levels and would fundamentally change many aspects of public education in Scarsdale. So it is just as important to let your voice be heard this time as it was in May. It really matters that you vote on June 18th.

This budget represents the smallest budget-to-budget percentage increase in over 30 years (1.49%). It is under the tax cap. We encourage our members to learn more by clicking here. If you have any questions about the budget or its impact on the high school, please contact us at [email protected].

School Budget Re-Vote
June 18 @ SMS 7am-9pm

Sincerely,
The SHS PTA Executive Committee
Jacquie Walter, Angela Manson, Linda Doucette-Ashman, Wendy Berk, Rosanne Underweiser, Sue Lipsitz and Neela Mathias

League of Women Voters of Scarsdale:

The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale ("the League") appreciates this opportunity to comment on the 2013-14 School Budget as adopted by the Board of Education (the "BOE") on June 3, 2013 (the "Budget"). The first budget adopted by the BOE on April 22, 2013 was rejected by public vote on May 21, 2013.

We thank the President of the BOE, the Superintendent of Schools and the Assistant Superintendent for Business for their participation in an information meeting sponsored by the League on June 10, 2013. This statement reflects the consensus reached by the League at a general membership meeting that followed this information meeting.

The League supports the Budget. We believe the Budget reflects the values of the community to maintain the excellence of our schools and to preserve the financial strength of the School District while at the same time addresses the desire expressed by the community for fiscal restraint in recognition of economic pressures faced by residents.

The Budget totals $143,899,713, reflecting a 1.49% increase from the 2012-13 adopted budget. The total tax levy will be $130,650,863, a decrease of $1,061,500 from the levy proposed in the budget dated April 22, 2013.

The League notes that should the Budget not be approved by a majority of votes cast on June18, 2013, the District must adopt a contingency budget with a zero percent tax levy increase from the 2012-13 levy. A contingency budget would require approximately $3.6 million in spending reductions.

The League looks forward in the future to open discussions by the BOE and District Administration ("Administration") at public meetings that will include longer-term financial planning, a master plan for facilities and evaluation of programming. We anticipate the BOE will solicit community input with a continuation of candid dialogue with residents and we encourage the community to remain actively engaged in these discussions.

The League commends the BOE and the Administration for their efforts to engage the community in response to the May 21st budget defeat and to listen carefully to the diverse views of residents. We appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of the BOE and Administration in developing this Budget and acknowledge the time constraints mandated by law. We support the use by the BOE of its stated principles and criteria to assess options for reducing the Budget.

It is imperative that all qualified citizens vote on Tuesday, June 18th. The League strongly recommends that the community vote YES to approve the budget.

SIncerely,
Susie Rush: President
Marylou Green: School Budget Chair
League of Women Voters of Scarsdale

Scarsdale PT Council Statement for June 11, 2013 BOE Meeting

On June18th, Scarsdale residents must return to the polls at SMS to vote on a second proposed 2013-14 School Budget. The community's participation is crucial to this budget process. Unlike other budget votes, a second defeated budget will result in a NYS contingency school budget, leading to devastating cuts to our school staffing and programing. This is not to say that we, the public and the PTA's, should not continue to question, advocate for what we believe in and strive to improve upon our schools and the budget process. We believe that has been done to date, and the new PTC EC will continue to actively guide the process. Both the 2012 and 2013 Scarsdale PT Council Executive Committees, consisting of its officers and all Scarsdale School PTA presidents stand behind this budget and will vote Yes. The Board of Education is proposing budget growth of 1.49%, the lowest in over three decades. 99.2% of this growth is due to state-mandated increases in retirement system charges that Scarsdale has no control over. This represents a projected tax rate of 2.82% for Scarsdale residents and 2.91% for residents of the Mamaroneck Strip.Favorable class sizes and a wide array of course offerings, as well as full extra-curricular and sports opportunities are preserved in this budget. Resources for facility maintenance and improvements that address student needs are also allocated. Additional teaching positions at the High School in English and Science to accommodate increased enrollments remain as planned as well as technology hires that will insure the increasing use of computers and bandwidth run effectively.

The PTC EC would like to note our appreciation of Dr. McGill and district administration who advocate tirelessly for our school district. Their creative and energetic thinking constantly challenge our students, teachers and staff to reach new levels. We'd also like to thank our faculty's commitment to our children's education and the innovation they bring to the classroom each day. Please show your support for quality public education and the Scarsdale Schools by voting "YES" on June 18th.

2012-13 PT Council
Gayle Kenigsberg Hutcher, President PTC
Vivienne Braun, Vice President PTC
Karen Brew, Secretary PTC
Lauren Mintzer, Treasurer PTC
Jacquie Walter, Scarsdale High School PTA President
Pam Fuehrer, Scarsdale Middle School PTA President
Laurie Medvinsky, Edgewood PTA President
Stephanie Glaser, Fox Meadow PTA President
Melissa Berridge, Greenacres PTA President
Olga Eligulashvili, Heathcote PTA President
Kim Goldban, Quaker Ridge PTA President

2013-14 PT Council
Pam Rubin, Incoming President, PTC
Pam Fuehrer, Incoming Vice President, PTC
Karen Brew, returning Secretary, PTC
Lauren Mintzer, returning Treasurer, PTC
Angela Manson, President Elect Scarsdale High School PTA
Seema Jaggi, President Elect Scarsdale Middle School PTA
Kate Conlan, President Elect Edgewood PTA
Alisa Kohn, President Elect Fox Meadow PTA
Dana Matsushita, President Elect Greenacres PTA
Kim Schneider, President Elect Heathcote PTA
Debbie Hochberg, President Elect Quaker Ridge PTA