Letter To The Editor: Support Ossining School Budget

Letter to the Editor:

I am pleased to report that the Ossining Board of Education unanimously adopted a fiscally responsible budget for 2019-20 school year that maintains current class sizes, electives and after school activities, and adds exciting new programs and initiatives.

The Board of Education approved the $134 million budget that increases spending 4.1% after a comprehensive and transparent process that sought feedback from members of the Ossining School District community.

The projected increase in the property-tax levy would be 2.9 percent, which is within the cap. As a result, homeowners who receive the STAR (School Tax Relief) benefit will get an up-front exemption or a tax credit in the form of a rebate check, depending on income. If the community approves the budget, 2019-20 will be the eighth consecutive year the district is within the state cap.

The spending plan maintains class sizes that are in line with our district’s goals, preserves popular programs like the Science Research Program and the SUNY Early College Program, and continues Ossining’s extensive arts, athletics and extracurricular programs. It also supports new initiatives and supports, such as new math curricula for kindergarten through eighth grade and additional resources to meet students’ social and emotional needs.

The budget funds several capital projects to keep our facilities up to date, accommodate increased student enrollment and ensure the highest level of safety. They include a new football field at Ossining High School and a classroom addition at Claremont School. The district will reconfigure the front entrance at Brookside School, create a new egress road and add outdoor lighting.

The Board of Education would like to thank members of the community for advocating that Ossining receive its fair share of state funding. While the district did not receive all the money it is due, everyone’s efforts led to the largest year-over-year increase in Foundation Aid in recent years.

Please make sure to vote on May 21. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Ossining High School Small Gymnasium. In addition to the budget proposition, the ballot will include candidates running for Board of Education. For more information, please visit www.ossiningufsd.org.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lisa Murray, President
Ossining Board of Education
lmurray@ossining.k12.ny.us
914-409-3930