Letter to the Editor: Ossining School District Budget, Propositions Up for Vote May 16

To the Editor:

After conducting a transparent and inclusive budget-development process, the Ossining Board of Education unanimously adopted a 2017-18 spending plan last month that preserves optimal class sizes and existing programs, funds important infrastructure projects and expands enrichment opportunities.

Voters will cast ballots May 16 on the $125.7 million budget, which would increase spending by 0.36 percent over the current year.

The budget is within the state’s limit on increasing the property tax levy for the sixth consecutive year.

The proposed tax levy increase is 2.1 percent, which is within the limit of 2.13 percent. As a result, taxpayers who qualify for the School Tax Relief Program – STAR – will receive rebate checks.

Some of the infrastructure projects funded in the budget are making security improvements at the entrance near the Ossining High School gym; replacing an athletic field at OHS; renovating classrooms at Anne M. Dorner Middle School; installing a new roof at Claremont School; and undertaking partial replacements of roofs at Roosevelt and Brookside schools.

The budget also funds the expansion of enrichment and STEM opportunities at Brookside, Claremont and Roosevelt schools. It includes money to expand the professional development coaching initiative at OHS and continues to fund summertime professional development and curriculum work for staff. It maintains the district’s cultural arts offerings, after-school activities and Science Research Program.

The May 16 vote also includes two additional ballot propositions. Approval of the propositions would have no impact on the budget or tax levy.

• Proposition 3 would authorize the district to create a capital reserve fund. Its purpose would be to address enrollment and maintenance needs that cannot be included in the annual budget; compensate for a possible future decrease in money available to transfer from the general fund to the capital fund line; and responsibly allocate remaining budgetary funds for future needs. A capital reserve fund can only be established with voter approval.
• Proposition 4 would authorize the district to use $1.08 million from the School Lunch Fund for Roosevelt School cafeteria expansion and renovations. The money will be used to add more seating to accommodate the larger student population; enlarge the kitchen and provide more food choices; and expand the capacity of the service line so more students can go through quickly and have time to eat lunch.

The Board of Education and district administration welcome additional input from the public on the proposed budget, the details of which are available at www.ossiningufsd.org. You can participate in live budget chats on our website, tweet questions to @oufsdbudget or email them to justask@ossining.k12.ny.us.

Please don’t forget to vote May 16. The hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the OHS gym. Voters will also cast ballots for four seats on the Board of Education.

Sincerely,

Lisa Murray, Ossining Board of Education