White Plains Schools Hold Budget Meeting, Candidate Forum
By Andrew Vitelli – The White Plains School District held its final meeting on the district’s 2016-2017 budget last Monday, with Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler urging voters to approve the district’s $208,750,000 spending plan when residents go to the polls on Tuesday, May 17.
“I think the real positives about the expenditure side of this budget are that the large increases are in the areas of instruction and special education,” Seiler said, noting that spending on instruction and special education would jump 3.5 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. “These are the areas that are closest to the students.”
The budget represents an increase of close to $3 million, or 1.43 percent, from the current year’s spending plan. The tax levy would jump just .24 percent in compliance with the state’s property tax cap. The district will add the equivalent of approximately 22 full time positions.
“We do have some significant staffing changes in the district for next year,” Superintendent of Schools Paul Fried said. “The budget was not driven by any staffing reductions.”
Voters will also see a capital reserve proposition on the ballot, proposing the establishment of a fund of $25 million and a term of 10 years. The fund would set aside money for future construction projects the district may need.
“Many school districts do this,” said Seiler. “We’ve never done it in White Plains, but probably about half the school districts around the state do this on a fairly regular basis.”
Seiler urged residents to turn out and support the budget, noting that if it were defeated (and if a resubmitted budget were subsequently defeated) the district would have to cut approximately $400,000 and defer replacing old equipment.
“I’ve got to tell you, when districts get in that position, it takes years to catch up,” Seiler said.
An Uncontested School Board Race
Voters Tuesday will be presented a fait accompli in this year’s school board election, as incumbents Sheryl Brady and Charlie Norris are the only two candidates on the ballot for the two open seats on the board. Brady and Norris took part in a question and answer Monday, answering questions on subjects including Common Core, the role of the school board, the relative lack of black educators, and FASNY.
“I believe that I have value, knowledge, and a unique perspective to [the board’s] work, and that’s why I’m running for re-election,” Brady, whose career is in the field of education and who has a doctorate in Math, explained. “With a love for the White Plains schools and a passion for education, as a long-time volunteer prior to becoming a member of the school board, I have long sought to serve our children and to strengthen our school district.”
Norris, a litigator, said that his fourth term would be his last on the board.
“I fervently believe that the manner in which a community educates its children is one of its most significant functions, and speaks volumes about the heart and soul of the community,” said Norris. “Indeed, the district is financially sound and as compared with some other districts in our area we’re good to go.”
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