K-L Superintendent's Budget Calls for 1.84 Percent Increase, Eliminates 24 Staff Positions

The Katonah-Lewisboro school superintendent's proposed education budget for the 2012-13 school year calls for a 1.84 percent spending increase and the elimination of 24 staff positions, with the primary drivers being the new tax levy limit, the state of the economy, climbing expenses and declining student enrollment.

The $113 million spending plan, outlined in a memo from Paul Kreutzer, superintendent, to the K-L school board, and posted to the district's website on Monday, expands the current budget by over two million dollars—over half of which is due to  an increase in the district's mandated retirement contributions.

Other cost increases are in the areas of staff development, technology and telecommunications, transportation, operations and maintenance, elementary science and occupational education.

In addition to the budget proposal, which could be modified by the school board prior to the May 15 vote, a $5.9 building renovations and improvements proposition will be up for community consideration. If approved, the measure would authorize the district to use capital reserve and fund balance to replace aging boilers and roofs,

Staffing and Instruction

Next year's projected enrollment decrease of 63 students district-wide impacted some of the staffing decisions, according to Kreutzer's memo. About nine teaching jobs are to be cut, including six elementary teachers.

According to projected enrollment data included in the budget, class sizes next year may average 19-23 students with a few noted exceptions: At the third grade section is projected to average 24 students; at , the third grade could average 25 students and at Meadow Pond, class sizes range from 23-26 students in the second and fifth grades.

Approximately 16 support staff positions are proposed to be eliminated, including computer and special education aides; special education teaching assistants; a maintenance foreman and two clerical positions at the middle and high school. In addition, the proposal reduces monitor staffing in the upper grades by over 8,500 hours.

The proposed cuts, saving the district an estimated $1.7 million, follow two straight years of staff reductions—13 in this year's budget, 44 in 2010-11 and 39 in 2009-2010.

While laying off some staff, the district is putting money into enhancing the training opportunities for the remaining teaching force, adding $235,000 to support professional learning communities, state-mandated Response to Intervention strategies and technology training.  Another $383,000 is allocated toward purchasing and upgrading equipment.

Other budget items

The plan also includes using $1,146,000 million in funds next year for transporation costs, including the purchase of a radio communications system for all district buses, plus four large buses and seven smaller vans, originally slated for the 2013-14 year but recommended for next year to mitigate the district's debt.

Some items, including the "fleet modernization" and funds for an energy consumption manager, are part of the district's strategy to close the "structural deficit"—in other words, narrowing the budget gap by seeking efficiencies in expense areas.

Funds totaling $65,000 will support a new science elementary curriculum and about $145,000 is allocated toward students attending the BOCES occupational program.

Projected tax rates

The budget results in an overall tax levy increase of 2.15 percent, which is lower than the new state-defined tax cap. The district's allowable limit is 3.56 percent  this year due to an approximate 1.33 percent inflation caused by one‐time expenses. Without this inflation from expenses the tax levy limit would be 2.23 percent, according to Kreutzer's memo.

Preliminary tax rates using 2012 equalization rates for individual towns are as follows: Bedford and Lewisboro will see rates increase by 6.71 percent and 1.86 percent, respectively, while North Salem and Pound Ridge would see tax decreases of 1.14 and 1.88 percent, respectively.

Upon releasing the budget, Kreutzer said the new tax levy cap requires school
districts to stay within the state‐defined limit, while the list of unfunded mandates is "growing and associated expenses are rising."

"We are cognizant of the current economic climate and are constantly exploring opportunities for savings and efficiencies," he said in the budget release. "At the same time, we recognize the importance of preserving instructional programs for students. This budget enables us to maintain our educational programs while addressing taxpayers’ concerns.”

Kreutzer will present his budget to the school board this Thursday Mar. 1 at the library.