School Budget Brief, Proposed 2.8% Tax Rate Increase

• Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously stated the tax rate increase at 1.66 percent, and total staff cuts at 56.8 full time equivalent (FTE) positions. The correct tax rate increase is 2.81 percent, with staff reductions at 48 FTE. We regret the error.

White Plains City School District’s Superintendent Dr. Christopher Clouet presented his proposed 2011-12 budget Monday, which includes a tax rate increase of 2.81 percent.

The increase should add about $300 to the average taxpayer's annual bill, or $15.01 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax rate is $549.64 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The budget represents a .7 percent increase over last year’s budget, an increase of almost $1.3 million at $184,812,230. The tax levy will increase 1.66 percent. Increases in mandated costs and a reduction in state funding will cause cuts to both programs and staff.

The superintendent proposed that the district no longer offer pre-kindergarten. A private company would run the program out of the Rochambeau School, and would be free for all White Plains students. Several parents showed up to the meeting to protest the elimination of the pre-k program.

The proposal also eliminates 48 full time equivalent (FTE) staff positions. The numbers were originally at 34.5 classified positions and 22.30 certified positions, however, job stabilization funds were used to bring back 8.80 FTE positions.

The superintendent’s proposal also reduces summer school offerings. Co-curricular sports will not be touched in the budget's current proposed state.

Check back with White Plains Patch for more on the school budget.