Community Debates Scardale School Budget

The Scarsdale School Board and administration were met by an impassioned group of local citizens at the first Community Budget Session held on Wednesday night 1/11.

In his opening remarks, Superintendent Michael McGill updated the group on developments since the fall, when the community was invited to working budget sessions.

At that time, we were told that if all of the 2009-2010 programming stayed in place, an 8% increase in the budget would be needed to fund the 2010-2011 budget.  Of this increase, 2.5% included our district’s mandated payment to the N.Y.S. Teacher’s Retirement Fund, a number over which we have no control.  Last night, McGill was able to report better news on the proposed increase.  It is now down to a 4% increase in the school budget that will mean a 5% tax increase to residents.  The reduction was accomplished despite the loss of $1.1 million in STAR payments due to the district by N.Y.S., which has been delayed by the state.

The district plans to use their fund balance, $900,000 in savings in operating expenses from the current year, a surplus from the self-insured health plan and a surplus from energy savings to fund next year’s budget. They also plan to reduce the size of the payroll through teacher retirements and attrition.

The community turned out in force – some to protect programs they feared would be cut, and others to urge the Board to tighten their belt in light of the current economic climate.

Residents took their turns addressing the Board at the microphone and many made emotional pleas.  Rita Piazza of Woods Lane told the Board that she reviews budgets and pension plans for a living and said, “Everyone is hurting.” As 80% of the school budget is salaries, she asked for a close examination of district salaries and benefits.  Michael Ludwig of Mamaroneck said that he had taken a salary cut and asked the Board to scrutinize their options and consider cutting faculty training programs such as the Scarsdale Teacher’s Institute. 

Ann Fraser, President to the Scarsdale Friends of Music and the Arts reminded the community of the importance of all the arts in a Scarsdale education and advocated support for art, music, and drama programs for students of all ages.  Speaking for CHILD, Dr. Shaila Setty asked the Board not to further disadvantage children who are already disadvantaged by cutting funds for children with special needs and Gail Leone, speaking for the Maroon and White spoke for the value of our sports programs and asked the Board not to reduce funding for athletics. A large contingent from the Scarsdale Teen Center was on hand to ask that funding be maintained for the Center, as it is a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment that stays open during weekends and holidays to give teens a place to meet.

However, the latter half of the meeting was dominated by those who believed the budget had grown to large.  Emily Stern of Heathcote Road said, “In a budget of $131 million dollars there must be things we can cut.” She asked the Board to quantify the value of programs so that the community could help in the decision-making process.  David Burden of Marbourne Drive contended that there is “no evidence that spending the most money guarantees the best education,” and also stated that high real estate taxes were driving away diversity as only the elite could afford to live in Scarsdale.

John Bensche, representing the TVCC education committee said that his committee was divided on their views on the school budget and read comments both for and against school spending. He suggested that the school do away with five-year employment contracts, eliminate administration positions that have been recently added and ask teachers with out-of-district children who attend the Scarsdale schools to pay 50% of their tuition.  Howard Shire of Brewster Road had attended the fall budget sessions and said that his group was unanimous in their opinion that out-of-district students should pay tuition to attend.

The recession has “hurt the Hirsh family”, according to Scott Hirsh of Pinecrest Road who lost his job a year ago, and returned to work nine months later at half of his original compensation.  He urged the Board to teach our children fiscal responsibility and “to stop coming up with excuses.” He got a big hand from the group.

Steve Greenberg of Fox Meadow Road told the Board that they were “good at educating, not at cost-cutting” and advised them to interview a new attorney and speak to representatives from members of the Boards of other districts in the area to get new ideas. He also asked for a five-year plan.  Echoing his sentiments, Debbie Wolleman of Innes Road asked if the Board had spoken to representatives from other districts and told the group that teachers in Mamaroneck had agreed to teach free for one day of the school year and increase their contribution to their healthcare plan.

Though McGill and the Board did not want to spend time answering each question, they did address a few of the issues raised at the meeting.  For one, Scarsdale teachers currently contribute 20% of the cost of their health care insurance, which is more than teachers in Mamaroneck pay. Barbara Kemp, School Board President assured the audience that they meet regularly with representatives from other districts and she promised to provide more data at upcoming meetings.  Last she said that the Board is having open conversations with Scarsdale teachers about the budget but could not release specifics at this time.

Another community budget discussion will be held on Wednesday January 20th from 10 am – 12 noon at the Girl Scout House on Wayside Lane and residents are invited to share their views. To register to attend, email Lois Rehm at lrehm@scarsdaleschools.org.