A Well-Crafted School Budget

The May 1 meeting of the Rye City School Board was truly inspiring. Enthusiastic teachers reported on the Teacher College Partnership project initiated by Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne with a highly regarded consultant and aimed at better motivating students and teachers toward excellence in grades K-5.

Another cause for celebration was the Board’s approval of the 2018-19 Budget to be submitted to Rye voters on May 15. The proposed $89,249,000 budget means a 2.67% increase, which is compliant with the state cap, and is achieved despite continuing unfunded state mandates increasing health insurance premium and retirement benefits by about 4%. State aid increased by 6% but remains one of the very lowest among NYS Districts in percentage terms.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Gabriela O’Connor and her team deserve congratulations for the new format which lists Actual-Audited numbers for three earlier years (2013-14 onward), as long requested by citizens interested in a detailed rationale for every dollar. That example has helped convince the Rye City Comptroller to do it (for two years). It has played a role in keeping both budgets productive and under the state cap, and in reducing the impact of the state and property tax deduction loss in tax reform.

The best way to recognize these valuable efforts is for Rye taxpayers to vote “Yes” on May 15, and personally thank the District administration.

• Bertrand de Frondeville