Briarcliff School Board Adopts Tax Cap-Busting Budget

Briarcliff Manor's Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a $47,425,000 million budget for the 2013-14 academic year, "which represents a decrease of $225,000 from this year's budget," according to Superintendent Neal Miller.

"In everything we did, we looked at what we could do to best benefit our students and their education, along with being responsible to the taxpayers in the community," Miller said. "And that's what drove this budget."

Board members, and some residents, reiterated Tuesday, "We are the only district in Westchester...to have a budget-to-budget reduction," as Board Member Jonathan Satran stated.

Miller, Briarcliff High School Principal and future Superintendent James Kaishian and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Technology Stuart Mattey outlined the budget proposal that includes the elimination of 33.8 full-time equivalent employees, including 23 teaching assistants.

The district's teachers have also agreed to a pay freeze for the coming school year.

"That's really important because they are in a partnership with us," noted Board President Sal Maglietta.

The proposed tax levy to be collected in 2013-14, Mattey said, is estimated to be $39,456,955, a 4.85 percent increase over the current academic year.

The administration has proposed using $125,000 of unassigned fund balance to help offset the tax levy.

The district's "calculated compliant tax levy limit" allows for 3.18 percent, he said, or approximately a difference of $626,444 compared to the proposed amount.

Overriding the district's state-mandated "tax cap" would require a 60 percent community approval.

"If it's not approved, the board will have a couple of options," Mattey said.

The board would have to put forth another budget for the community to vote on, one that would likely be tax cap compliant.

Mattey explained, "if that were defeated, the school board would be forced to go to a zero percent increase on tax levy."

Administrators defended the proposal, with Miller noting the "substantial" reductions already put forth.

Anything additional, he said, "will have a negative impact on our program."

A dozen residents went to the podium Tuesday to weigh in on the proposal—some in support and some with criticism for the budget and its process.

"I don't think you have done your due diligence," Marissa Rotondo told the board, stating she believes the public should have been presented "budget versus actual" figures sooner.

Board candidate Paul Wasserman, along with Aaron Stern, said the Board of Education has not been sharing accurate figures to the community.

"I have identified $660,000...where the budget is overstated," Stern said.

Said Louis Linder, also a board candidate, "I think in the spirit of positive progress...we need to look at it from a broader perspective," promising a "two-way disclosure" if elected in May.

Others, including Julie Snider, voiced support Tuesday.

"I am in complete support of this budget," she said.

Another parent applauded the district for putting "education first" during the process.

Before the board approved the proposal, Maglietta thanked the community for feedback during the budget process.

"I believe the administration is dealing with real issues and challenges that they face and they are not kicking the can down the road by all means," he said. "It's been a tough time and people have really stepped up."

Coming up:

• Mattey said the district will post a "complete budget package" on its website on Tuesday, April 30.
• The budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7.
• The annual school budget vote and board election is Tuesday, May 21.

Click here to view Tuesday's full budget presentation.

Related Stories:

Locals Dispute Briarcliff Teachers' Memorandum Details

Briarcliff Teachers OK a Year's Pay Freeze

Briarcliff Principals Discuss Impact of Budget Cuts

'Draft' School Budget Cuts Draw 60 in Briarcliff