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Superintendent Walter Moran’s $79,979,258 spending plan to the board, marks a budget-to-budget increase of 2.4 percent and a maximum allowable tax levy increase of 1.7 percent. It’s been approved by the board and now just awaits the public’s approval.
If voters do opt to approve the spending plan when polls open on Tuesday, May 19, the district will be able to add personnel to help struggling learners at various grade levels, several new STEM programs and will enter into a partnership with the College of New Rochelle.
“The budget provides an allocation of resources that supports the educational mission and programs of the district,” Superintendent Walter Moran said. “That mission encompasses many dimensions and speaks to the enduring values and skills that are enumerated in our mission statement.”
Moran said the budget for the upcoming academic year was focused on increasing STEM opportunities, providing support to students, reinforcing support services and infusing additional resources into the facilities and technology departments.
The district also is planning on adding an online course pilot program for high school juniors that will allow them to pursue opportunities and studies that the district isn’t able to provide.
“We have contracted for 18 student seats for next year, and they will be able to pursue opportunities and courses we are not able to offer here in school,” Moran said. “Those subjects include architecture, engineering and things we can’t currently offer in our school.”
The budget represents a 1.7 percent tax levy increase, nearly half of last year’s figure. It calls for the addition of four assistant varsity coaches, a full-time psychologist and special education teacher at the high school. The district also is taking steps to introduce a National Music Honor Society.
Moran also announced a partnership with the College of New Rochelle, which will provide graduate students interested in a career in education the opportunity to serve as interns guiding students that need additional aid.
“When we set off on our budget we do so with goals, and expectations and guidelines set by the board that are embraced by our school administrators,” he said. “We assess the needs of enrollment, programs, and of our facilities and mindful always of our desire to always pursue excellence in all domains we prioritize our needs from our wants to provide the best benefit to taxpayers and students.”
Voters can head to the polls from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 19 at the Eastchester High School and at 235 Garth Road Community Center (for Garth Road residents only) next week.
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