After Vote, Briarcliff Looks for Tax-Compliant Schools Budget

With under 52 percent (versus the necessary 60) of the voting school community looking to pass a budget in excess of the New York State tax cap, Briarcliff Manor's administrators and school board are looking for additional cuts.

Although the budget put forth a week ago was less than the current year's adopted and voter-approved figure, it was $626,444 above the "tax cap."

In a statement, the current board of education voiced its disappointment in the vote, "particularly since the proposed budget included substantial reductions ($2.2 million) in order to meet unfunded mandated costs, yet still provided a quality program for students."

Moving forward as the June 18 budget revote date approaches, the board said it will look "to meet the requirements of a tax levy cap compliant budget."

Discussions at the administrative level began the day after the budget vote, the board noted.

"As our administrators embark on this effort, they will turn their attention to all non-mandated programs and services to achieve this level of reduction. This could very well impact some extracurricular programs that our students and parents have known to expect and enjoy," the statement said. "We will do everything we can to limit the impact these cuts will have on our children, and ensure that those non-mandated programs that touch the largest number of students are maintained in a manner in which they can continue to run effectively."

The board is asking for community input at tomorrow's meeting, as well as the Monday, June 3 meeting when the board plans to adopt the new budget.

The budget hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 11.