Pelham Preliminary School Budget At-A-Glance

Pelham school board members and interested members of the community spent this past Saturday in Alumni Hall poring over the proposed budget for next fiscal year line-by-line.

In an accompanying budget overview, interim supervisor Dr. Charles Wilson said, “The budget is chiefly driven by a dramatic increase in costs due to retirement and pension fund costs, health costs, state educational mandates and contractual obligations.” 

Wilson indicated that the administrators looked for savings “through identifying efficiencies in retiree replacement costs” as well as the elimination of two kindergarten sections. 

The administration’s recommendations to the school board recommended “the restoration of a full-time athletic director, a modified sports schedule, summer school and new safety related expenditures.” 

Here’s an overview of the proposed budget:

• Preliminary budget of $68,188,198, an increase of $2,627,591 from the 2012-2013 budget.
• Proposed tax levy change of 3.97 percent. The estimated state cap for Pelham School District is 4.18 percent.
• Projected reduction of assessed valuations set at $94,041,743.
• An anticipated increase of received property taxes in the amount of $2,195,064.
• Increased monies allocated for instruction, pupil transportation and community services.
• An anticipated increase of $91,135 in state aid.

The all-day workshop was the first of several sessions that will continue until May 21.

• Monday, March 11, 8:00 p.m. Budget Workshop
• Monday, March 18, 8:00 p.m. Budget Workshop
• Monday, April 1, 8:00 p.m. Budget Workshop
• Monday, April 8, 8:00 p.m. Budget Workshop
• Tuesday, April 23, 8:00 p.m. Adoption of Budget
• Tuesday, May 7, 8:00 p.m. State-Mandated Budget Hearing

Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Budget Vote & Board Election

Do you have questions about the preliminary school budget? Leave your questions and comments here on Pelham Patch.