NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (May 17, 2016) – New Rochelle residents tonight approved the City School District of New Rochelle’s $106.5 million capital improvement bond, by a 3,207-1,263 vote. The school district’s $253.7 million 2016-17 budget – which calls for a 1.11 percent tax levy increase over the previous year – was also approved, by a 3,162- 1,324 vote. The results are unofficial.
“We are grateful for the support from New Rochelle voters for this capital improvement bond and annual budget and the trust the community has placed in our administration,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian G. Osborne. “This is a necessary investment in our school buildings that will not only address safety and health issues but also reflect the pride we all have in our district.”
The bond will fund urgent infrastructure needs in every school and address significant and necessary health and safety projects. Currently, all 10 school buildings in New Rochelle are rated Unsatisfactory, according to the school district’s five-year Building Condition Survey (BCS). At the completion of the expected four-year project, all buildings should be rated Satisfactory and greatly improved.
Under the bond, work at various schools will include roof replacements; masonry restorations; window replacements; exterior and interior door replacements; elevator installations; ADA compliance upgrades; HVAC, electrical and plumbing upgrades; pavement and drainage replacements; athletic field replacements; exterior stair and ramp reconstruction; and interior improvements at each building.
Also, it will keep taxes stable for residents, as there will be no net increase in debt service over the lifetime of the bond because of:
- Completing payments on existing debt
- Low interest rates on lending
- 48.7 percent reimbursement rate from New York State
The $253.7 million budget includes a $3.6 million, or 1.42 percent, increase over the previous year’s budget. This budget has a 1.11 percent tax levy increase. Additionally, all programs, faculty and staff positions currently in place for this school year are maintained. The budget adds three kindergarten-grade 5 and four grade 7-12 teaching positions to accommodate enrollment increases and stable class sizes. It also includes a $1.2 million increase to $2.3 million in funding for identified capital projects in addition to $13 million to fund regular custodial and maintenance services for buildings and grounds. The total proposed annual taxes to be collected by the school district will be $200.4 million, or 79 percent of the proposed budget.
“We would like to thank voters for their endorsement of the 2016-17 budget,” Osborne said. “The community is again providing the district with the support needed to sustain and provide for implementing forward-thinking educational programs under a budget that is balanced for the second straight year.”
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.
