Letter To The Editor: Former Mamaroneck School Trustee Urges Public To Vote For Budget

My Fellow Citizens of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District:

I served on the Board of Education of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District from 2013 to 2016. I am writing this letter to urge our citizens to vote for the Mamaroneck School Budget on May 16th. I want to share with you some of what I learned while representing you on the Board of Education that may help you in making your decision on May 16th.

Larchmont and Mamaroneck have one of the outstanding school systems in the U.S. while maintaining one of the lowest cost per student expenditures in Westchester County. When adjusted for inflation, cost per student today is lower than during the past 30 years. Growth in the District’s student body has exceeded any school district in Westchester County. In fact, we are only one of a few districts to show a steady increase in student population. Our outstanding academic performance together with the District’s respect for our taxpayers has been reflected in the positive real estate values of our residents.

Eighty percent of the District’s expenditures are for salaries and benefits. Medical and pension expenses are out of the control of the District. Under NYS law the District is required to guarantee an annual seven percent return on the pension fund. The District’s pension expense is entirely determined by the performance of the stock market. During the years 2009-2012 pension cost increased significantly as a result of the stock market decline in 2008. This increase pension cost was financed by taking funds from the District’s Reserve Funds. These Reserve Funds have now been depleted. This year’s pension expense is lower than during the years I was on the Board due to the increase in the stock market. Medical and prescription expenses are $2.5 million higher than last year. Over half of these expenses go to retired employees.

Special Education costs have shown a steady increase and represent 2.6 times the cost per General Education student, or 25% of the District’s Instructional budget. Special Ed students comprise 12% of the student body. The increase in severe disabilities and the number of staff required to meet the increased demand continues.

Non-compensation expenditures have declined in real terms over the past few years. When adjusted for inflation the decline is more ominous. The District’s facilities are old and need constant attention. The District has a list of maintenance and repair projects, which exceeds $50 million.

I am proud of our School District’s prudent financial management and focus on academic excellence during a time of increasing cost and student enrollment.

Please visit Dr. Shaps’ presentation to the Board of Education at this link.

— James M. Needham, Larchmont

Patch file photo.