Budget proposal has a 1.995 percent tax levy increase, meeting the state’s required tax levy cap
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (April 21, 2017) — The City School District of New Rochelle Board of Education unanimously adopted a proposed $259,622,488 budget for the 2017-2018 school year, with a $5,936,852 spending increase, or 2.34 percent, over the previous year’s budget.
This budget proposal, which goes before voters on May 16, has a 1.995 percent tax levy increase, which means the district meets the state’s required tax levy cap.
The total proposed taxes to be collected by the school district will be $204,441,642, or 78.75 percent of the proposed budget. In addition, $12,125,052 will come from other sources and $43,055,794 will come from state aid.
All programs, faculty and staff positions currently in place for this school year are maintained in the proposed budget. A new transformational facility management team will be in place for 2017-2018.
“The district has again provided the residents of New Rochelle an excellent value proposition for educating its students,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian G. Osborne. “The proposed budget delivers a low tax impact, fiscally responsible spending plan that is also educationally sound.”
In addition to maintaining all academic programs, the proposed budget will add positions to accommodate for enrollment increases, maintain favorable class sizes and meet pressing student needs. Those positions include a part-time Trinity psychologist, a full-time Foundations life skills program counselor position at New Rochelle High School, a part-time Isaac E. Young Middle School English as a Second Language teacher, and a full-time Davis Elementary teacher.
The budget also supports ongoing professional development of teachers and administrators. The budget includes an investment for much needed playground replacement and improvements at Trinity, Webster and Columbus Elementary Schools.
The district will also replace the roof of a district-owned maintenance facility on Grove Avenue.
“The City School District of New Rochelle administration and Board of Education have created a budget to be proud of,” said Board of Education President Rachel Relkin. “It addresses the needs of our educators and students in the 21st Century classroom, provides for the care and maintenance of our buildings and offers our taxpayers a very reasonable increase in cost. The Board is very supportive of this budget.”
The proposed budget also includes funding to support vital instructional technology enhancements including the ability to provide wireless Internet access to over 95 percent of district instructional spaces. The district’s Chromebook program will also be expanded, providing more than 2,500 new mobile devices to students. Other instructional and infrastructure improvements will posture the district to continue to provide 21st Century learning opportunities for students.
About the City School District of New Rochelle
With nearly 11,000 students in 10 schools, the City School District of New Rochelle, through an active partnership amongst community, parents, staff and students, provides a high-quality and challenging education for every child, in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces rich diversity and drives success.
