Bedford School Officials Schedule Info Sessions on $127.6 Million Spending Plan

The Bedford Board of Education adopted a 2015-16 budget proposal April 8.

School board members discussed programs and financial issues such as the fund balance and state aid.

You can watch the board session here.

Residents will get a chance to vote May 19 on the $127,593,583 spending plan. Among the cuts proposed to keep the tax levy increase under the state cap are four elementary class sections, the transportation supervisor position, some full-time elementary aides and two bus runs.

Superintendent Jere Hochman described highlights of the proposed budget in the district’s newsletter today:

• The proposed budget continues to support current class size targets, all academic programs, all elective courses, and district operations
• There are additions and reductions to the budget
• The budget trend continues to decrease spending growth and increase efficiencies
• Budget-to-budget increase: 0.55 percent
• Tax Levy Increase: 0.62 percent (note, the allowable tax cap is 1.71 percent)
• Average Tax Levy increase per year past 6-years: 1.75 percent
• Estimated Tax Rate changes:
• Bedford 2.03 percent;
• Mt. Kisco 6.89 percent;
• New Castle (- 5.98 percent);
• North Castle (- 7.94 percent);
• Pound Ridge- (-6.58 percent)

Hochman also announced upcoming Informational meetings on the spending plan:

• April 15 @ 7:30 pm at Bedford Hills Elementary School
• April 23 @ 9:30 am Pound Ridge Elementary School
• May 4 @ 7 pm at West Patent Elementary School
• May 6-Board of Education Meeting Budget Hearing Fox Lane Middle School Little Theater
• May 7 @ 10:30 am Bedford Free Public Library
• May 13 @ 7:30 pm at Mount Kisco Elementary School
• May 15 @ 9:30 am Bedford Village Elementary School