The October 8 Rye City Board of Education meeting featured a mercifully succinct presentation by the auditing firm of O’Conner/Davies reporting an “unqualified opinion” for the budget year ending June 30, 2013 — CPA speak for: no shenanigans.
By Sarah Varney
The October 8 Rye City Board of Education meeting featured a mercifully succinct presentation by the auditing firm of O’Conner/Davies reporting an “unqualified opinion” for the budget year ending June 30, 2013 — CPA speak for: no shenanigans.
“I think we all feel secure that the District’s budget is in good shape,” said Karen Belanger, head of the audit committee. She went on to thank members of the committee, which includes community members. “They ask a lot of questions. They’re very involved.”
Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez presented the enrollment numbers. The total enrollment increase for the 2013-2014 school year stood at 93, but five more students were added to the rolls this week. That increase brings the total student body to 3,308 up from 3,210.
“Business is good. We still have people flocking here,” said Superintendent Alvarez.
Board President Laura Slack added, “More students will necessitate more resources. Physical space will also be at a premium. “We need to have a community conversation about how we’re going to educate all these students [particularly if enrollment continues to increase].” She said, “We look forward to the community’s engagement on this.”
Board Vice President Katy Keohane Glassberg brought up the lack of any allowance for increased enrollment in the current tax cap law. “There is no recourse under the tax cap law to accommodate increased enrollment. Upstate, enrollment is decreasing but here in Westchester it’s a different story.”
Enrollment numbers aren’t the only thing clouding the future. New Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Betty Ann Wyks gave a straightforward statement on the lower ELA/Math test scores released in late September. Wyks said that an increased number of students, mostly in the lower grades who received 1s or 2s, will be mandated to receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). This additional help needs to start by November, she said. “I’m in the process of talking to the principals at the elementary schools to make sure the students get the services they need,” she said.
The District will present a full report on test scores and remediation at the November 12 Board meeting, addressing resource questions, possible curriculum changes and other issues.
