School Budget Vote Today May 15th
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On Tuesday May 15 voters will go to the polls to vote for their local school budgets and for candidates for the school board. In Scarsdale, voting will be at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7 am to 9 pm. In Edgemont, the vote takes place in the old gymnasium of Edgemont High School from 6 am to 9 pm. The entire community is encouraged to vote.
In Scarsdale, the proposed school budget for 2012-13 is $141,790,579 which is a 2.42% increase over last year. The tax levy will go up by 2.89% and complies with the state mandated 2% cap as certain items, including capital improvements, are exempt. For Scarsdale residents, the tax rate will go up 3.39% and for those in Mamaroneck the increase will be 2.22%.
Several factors contributed to the Board’s ability to keep increases to a minimum while maintaining the current educational program:
- Surpluses from the energy line in the 2011-12 budget were passed into 2012-13 as a warm winter reduced heating costs.
- The Board opted to reduce the amount of reserves for energy and health insurance.
- $6.3 million from the undesignated fund balance is being applied to the 2012-13 budget, though the district will still continue to maintain reserves at 4% of the budget as stipulated by the state.
- Enrollment in the elementary schools is expected to decline, and the demographer has projected that 60 fewer students will enter kindergarten in 2012-13, thus reducing the need for elementary school teachers.
Despite economic pressure, the Board was able to fund some new initiatives such as the Center for Innovation, to explore the role of technology in transforming education. Also included in the budget is the repurposing of the SHS auto shop into a satellite cafeteria and group learning space. In response to input from the SHS PTA, two more teachers at the high school have been included to alleviate overcrowding in math and social studies classes.
Maintenance and renovations of the district’s schools will include: 
- A new ventilation system in the Edgewood gym
- Asbestos removal and new lighting and rigging in the Heathcote auditorium
- New stairway at the Middle School to comply with safety regulations
- Replacing the columns and the heating system at CHOICE
- An emergency generator at the high school
- Conversion of the high school auto shop into a satellite cafeteria and small group instruction space.
In Edgemont the 2012-13 school budget is $50,149,261 which is just a .58% increase over 2011-12, the lowest budget increase in Edgemont’s history. However due to the decrease in the tax base of almost $1 million, taxes will rise by 3.35%.
In order to comply with the tax cap and rein in costs, the Board of Education opted to cut staff and programs such as the 6th and 9th grade outdoor education program and some classes at the high school, but the Board is hopeful that the PTA and School Foundation can supply funds to permit the continuation of a modified 6th grade camp, the circus program, library resources, guest speakers and technology.
At the elementary school level 1.5 full time employees were cut in response to projected enrollment declines. Perhaps the most painful cuts will be at Edgemont High School where 5.15 full time teaching positions will be eliminated. In order to reduce staffing needs, changes were made to the high school curriculum to consolidate or eliminate class offerings in Science, English, Social Studies and Spanish.
In some cases, class sizes will exceed district guidelines for 22 students for grades K-2, 24 students in grades 3-5 and 25 students in grades 7-12.
Due to the establishment of a new special education class, the district will save about $250,000 for out of district education and transportation. And though the buildings and grounds budget has been cut by almost 6%, new windows will be installed at Seely Place, and if approved, $120,000 from this year’s budget will be used to remove and replace the underground oil take at the Greenville School.
Since the budgets in both Edgemont and Scarsdale call for a tax levy increase within the state’s tax cap, the budgets will require approval by 50% plus 1 vote to pass. If a budget fails to receive the necessary support, there will be a revote on the same or a revised budget. If the second vote fails, the district would be forced to adopt a contingency budget with no increase in the tax levy over the prior year, forcing layoffs, program cuts and more.
Also on the ballot will be the election of School Board members in both districts.
In Scarsdale, Lewis Leone, Jr. and Mary Beth Gose have both been nominated by the School Board Nominating Committee to serve second two-year terms. In Edgemont two newcomers received the nomination from the Edgemont School Board Nominating Committee. On the ballot will be Jennifer Darger and Brian Yarrington. In both districts, the nominated candidates are running unopposed.
Voter Information:
Scarsdale: 7 am to 9 pm at the Scarsdale Middle School
Edgemont: 6 am to 9 pm in the old gymnasium of Edgemont High School
Education Reform, What You Really Need to Know
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The Scarsdale Middle School PTA will present a panel discussion on recent changes to public education in New York State. Topics to be included are the Race to the Top, standardized testing and the new annual professional performance reviews (APPR) for faculty and administrators. What can parents learn after April’s state-mandated standardized tests? What is the plan for next year?
Th panel will be moderated by Michael McDermott, Principal Scarsdale Middle School and Vice President of the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association as well as a leading member of the Regents Task Force on Teacher and Principal Evaluation
Panelists will include State Assemblywoman Amy Paullin, Superintendent of Scarsdale Schools, Dr. Michael McGill, Scarsdale Teachers Association Union President, Trudy Moses as well as a representative from the State Education Department who has been invited to participate on the panel.
This forum will be informative for all Scarsdale parents curious about the changes taking place in our public education system and what they will mean for our children in the Scarsdale schools. Find out how will these changes will impact your child's education, the curriculum and district initiatives.
Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium
May 10, 2012
134 Mamaroneck Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
7:30 P.M. Program
9:00 P.M. Conclusion
A Global Conversation at Scarsdale High School
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On Tuesday, April 23rd, Scarsdale High School hosted “A Global Conversation with Botswana, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Kenya, and Trinidad & Tobago.” Starting off with a welcome from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joan Weber and performances by the Scarsdale High School Chamber Ensemble, directed by Mr. Amedee Williams, and the Scarsdale High School Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Jason Noble, the event featured representatives from each of the six countries, discussing challenges that their countries have faced and innovations that have been made in order to solve said problems. The conversation was moderated by Superintendent Dr. Michael McGill, and featured a panel of five Scarsdale High School students, including Seniors Elizabeth Huh, Michael Lu, Max Kober, Geoff Kristof, and Sophomore Claudia Laurie, who introduced the panelists and had questions ready for the Q&A at the end of the night.
The conversation began with a speech by the Keynote speaker, Dr. Sergio Trindade of Brazil, the former U.N. Assistant Secretary General for Science and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize co-laureate. Trindade, referred to in the program as a “Provacateur,” began with an anecdote on 14th-15th century Portugal, noting that innovation has been spurring globalization since the time of Henry the Navigator. Next spoke the representative from Botswana, H. E. Mr. Charles Thembani Ntwaagae, the Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations. Ntwaagae
At the end of the speeches, the student panel, through Dr. McGill, asked a few questions. However, though a five-minute limit had been placed on the introductory speeches, a lack of enforcement of this rule led to the program running late. Due to this lack of time, the high school panelists questioning was cut short. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that, “It seemed like the students didn’t really have any purpose.” While their purpose was cut short by a less than efficiently run program, the student panelists still found the conversation worthwhile. “It was very interesting to hear some of the representatives point out problems that their countries are facing,” said Kristof. And, if the applause and size of the audience is any indication, they enjoyed it as well. As an interesting aside, the panel was well connected to Scarsdale, including
Zach Edelman is a senior at Scarsdale High School. He will join the team at Scarsdale10583 during senior options this year.
A Week of Special Events at Scarsdale Schools
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Students of all ages in Scarsdale will participate in special events this week to celebrate human rights, interdependence and Earth Day. A Global Conversation at Scarsdale High School: Consul Generals from Botswana, Brazil, Botswana, Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago, will take part in A Global Conversation at Scarsdale High School on Monday night April 23 at 7:30 pm. Each will provide an overview of their countries, and highlight a significant change or innovation that has had a positive impact. The community is invited to this special event in the auditorium at Scarsdale High School. The keynote speaker will be Sergio Trindade of Brazil, co-laureate of the 2007 Nobel Peace prize, as member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Several Scarsdale High School students will engage in a Q & A with the presenters, moderated by Superintendent Michael McGill. The program will begin with a performance from the SHS orchestra and band under the direction of Amedee Williams and Jason Noble, respectively. The event is sponsored by the District Interdependence Committee, STI Earthlinks, the Scarsdale Center for Innovation, and the Multicultural Committee Chairs of the PTA’s.
Earth Day at Heathcote School: First graders at Heatcote School will celebrate earth day on Monday by presenting a show called Every Day Is Earth Day. The musical revue will include songs with movement and each class will recite a poem. As the title suggest all the songs are Earth Day related. The performance for friends and family will be held in the Heathcote Auditorium at 9:15am on Monday, April 23rd. The Heathcote's Poetry and Art Festival also begins that day and includes poetry displays throughout the halls of the school.
Stand Up and Be the Change: Human Rights Conference 2012: Middle School Human Rights Day will be held on Thursday April 26 and students from sixth, seventh and eighth grades will have the opportunity to hear keynote addresses from two inspirational speakers and participate in workshops with human right’s advocates from local, national and international organizations.
Sixth and eighth graders will hear Spencer West speak about the struggles he overcame after losing his legs at the age of five, and how he never lost the hope or courage he needed to overcome personal obstacles. With both humor and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find opportunity in every challenge.
Former child soldier, Michel Chikwanine will tell seventh graders about how he overcame unimaginable pain and struggles as a child soldier in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His passion and belief in the possibility for change makes him a truly remarkable individual and humanitarian. Now just 20 years old, Michel has experienced civil war, political upheaval and poverty, emerging as an individual who is wise beyond his years.
Also visiting the school will be Danielle Butin of AFYA, Robert Mayes of the Westchester County District’s Attorney’s Office, Nancy Lyons of the Food Bank for Westchester and others.
Scarsdale 2012-13 School Budget Will Mean 2.89% Rise in Tax Levy
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School administrators’ fears that the New York State imposed tax cap would decimate the Scarsdale educational program failed to materialize during the planning for the 2012-13 school budget. Instead, the administration and School Board progressed from pondering an $8 million deficit to discussing how much of the district’s ample surplus to allocate toward next year’s budget.
Considering the fiscal challenges that faced the district, this year’s budget process was surprisingly calm. The warm winter contributed to savings in fuel costs, senior teachers retired, reducing salary costs and projected declines in elementary school enrollments for next year allowed for budgeting for decreases in the 2012-13 district payroll.
As a result, it never became necessary to explore programs cuts. Funding for the Scarsdale Teen Center and Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling, which had been examined in prior years were never questioned this year. Elementary school class size limits were a given. When the district learned that capital improvements were exempt from the tax cap, the administration proposed the inclusion of needed repairs and the renovation of the fitness center at the high school. They were even able to include funds to launch a Center for Innovation to explore new uses of technology in the schools. In fact, only two issues inspired heated discourse; one was staffing at the high school where some parents complained of overcrowded classrooms and the other concerned the use of reserves to fund budgets and reduce tax increases.
The community was invited to give their comments on the final proposed school budget at the school board meeting on Wednesday night April 11. School Board President Jill Spieler opened the meeting with news that since the last budget meeting there had been a few changes in projections for next year -- and in the estimated surpluses from this year’s budget. In addition, after receiving high school students’ class requests for next year, it was determined that two additional teacher’s would be needed at the high school, one to teach math and the other, social studies.
The 2012-13 proposed budget already included two unallocated teaching positions and Linda Purvis and Joan Weber recommended that one of these unallocated positions be used at the high school and funding be added to the budget for the second high school teacher.
After some discussion among the Board and Purvis it was determined that the additional funds needed could be taken from the fund balance. Though the additional teacher would add $155,000 to the bottom line, other surpluses from this year’s budget would absorb all but $18,000 of the cost and the majority of the Board felt that this was too small a change to necessitate a revision of the total proposed budget and tax levy.
Therefore, the proposed budget for 2012-13 will be $141,790,579, which is a 2.42% increase over the 2011-12 budget and will translate into a 2.89% increase in the tax levy (3.39% for Scarsdale residents and 2.22% for those in the Mamaroneck strip.)
For those tracking the use of reserve funds, figures distributed at the meeting show that $6,195,354 of reserve funds will be used to fund the 2012-13 budget, representing 4.37% of the total budget. For the 2011-12 budget, $6.867,380 in reserves were used, or 4.96% of the total budget of $138,443,938. Looking back, in 2001-2, when the total school budget was $70,135,119, only $765,000 of reserve funds were used to fund the budget, or 1.09%. The use of reserves hit an all time high in 2011-12 and the Board decided to modestly reduce that amount for next year.
Turning to public comments, Marian Green the Chair of C.H.I.L.D. raised issues of concern to parents of children with special needs. She asked for professional development for staff to learn to make diagnoses, develop special needs curricula and arrange intervention for those who need extra help. She also asked for support of teacher aids who shadow special needs children in class and for more assistance for children who struggle with the district’s demanding curriculum. Furthermore she asked the district to look into how technology can help special needs children learn and suggested that iPads and Smartboards be available. Last, she requested that the Board to look for ways in which special needs children could attend after-school activities designed for all the district’s students. Her comments will be available on the Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. website.
Mary Beth Evans, Chair of Scarsdale Forum Education (Program) Committee briefly discussed their in-depth report on the Scarsdale Teacher’s Institute which will be presented at the April 26, 2012 meeting of the Scarsdale Forum. The report recommends that the district maintain support for the STI as it “continues to play an integral role in ongoing professional and curriculum development,” and to continue to “provide incentives in line with those of other area districts to encourage participation.”
However, it also asks the Board to consider reductions in recent enrollment rates to ensure that courses meet the learning needs of the staff. The report shows that enrollment is down 50% from 2006-7 to 20010-11. The full report can be viewed on the Scarsdale Forum website.
Amy Scharf of the Scarsdale League of Women Voters said that the League supports the proposed budget and recommends that the community vote yes on Tuesday May 15. She commended the Board for recognizing the need for capital improvements and said that the League supports the fitness center at the high school but cannot take a position on the proposed internet café due to insufficient information at this time. The League also favors including two unassigned teachers in the budget and asked the Board to clarify their policy on class size and teacher load in the middle and high schools. The League urged the Board to continue to lobby lawmakers about new policies on teacher evaluations and unfunded mandates.
Susan Grosz took the mike to express her views on the upcoming negotiations with teacher’s union and the Scarsdale Teacher’s Institute. Though time constraints prevented her from a complete reading of her statement she conveyed her concern about maintaining educational excellence with a sustainable tax rate and fiscal responsibility. She had specific concerns about the Scarsdale Teacher’s Institute, saying, “though it is a small portion of the school budget, there are indirect costs.”
Vivienne Braun, speaking on behalf of the SHS PTA Executive Committee thanked the Board for listening to their concerns about class sizes at the high school and asked the Board to find ways to enhance student-teacher interaction. Referring to the Board’s decision to hire two additional teachers at the high school she said,“Thank you for your willingness to demonstrate concern.”
Art Rublin of the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools referred to the discussion on the use of reserves and the planned surplus. Discussing the original budget proposed by the school administration, Rublin said, “We think that Dr. McGill’s proposal was in line with previous years and past practice. Last year (2011) some had advocated a cut to surplus, but there was strong justification for maintaining current reserve levels.” Turning to the tax cap, he said, “In terms of other districts, at least seven districts in Long Island are looking at overriding the tax cap, supporting the cause of local control across the states. In terms of getting out a strong vote it would be good to have a budget that people can rally about.”
On Monday April 16, the Board will respond to the community's written statements on the budget and adopt the 2012-13 budget and Tax Report Card. The school budget vote and election of School Board members will be held on Tuesday, May 15th.
