OPINION: Ossining School Board Proposes a Smart Budget

I am a concerned Ossining resident who has monitored the budget process, and on May 15 I will vote yes for the proposed Budget.  I don't have a finance background, but I work for a living and I do understand fixed rising costs, such as pensions, that render responsible budgeting seemingly unworkable. 

To accommodate such rising costs, the arduous task is always deciding where to cut to achieve fiscal responsibility, and how deep to cut to permit and not hinder a successful school system.  Under the proposed budget, the Board has made difficult but decisive choices to cut $4 Million from the budget, including in excess of $580,000 in salaries from staff reductions.  What has been impressive throughout this transparent process is that the Board has maintained in tact vital programs throughout the school system, including in education, the sciences, athletics and the arts. 

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What should not go unnoticed are the celebrated and unprecedented successes our students are posting, including on a national level not equaled by neighboring villages or towns, under the programs our Board has fought to maintain funding.  We all benefit when our schools and our students succeed and distinguish themselves.  I am confident that this well-vetted and responsible proposed budget will permit the prosperity of our students and our community to advance.  The converse is, quite frankly, imprudent and pointless.  I therefore hope all my Ossining neighbors will join me in voting “yes” for the proposed Ossining School budget. 

Alex Jeffrey

Ossining