Schools

Pelham School Board Finalizing Budget

The Board will continue budget discussions at its next meeting on Monday, April 8.

Pelham Union Free School District's school board is working to hammer out the details of its 2013-2014 spending plan. Recent developments in the new budget include adding a special education teacher and reinstating a psychologist. Here are the details from District officials:

Based on new revenue and changes to the original budget plan for next year, the projected increase in the tax levy for the Pelham Schools in 2013-14 would drop from 3.97% to 3.52%.   The Board will continue budget discussions at its next meeting on Monday, April 8.  The public session is anticipated to begin at 8:00 pm following a Executive Session.  The Board must adopt a final budget by April 23.

Additional revenues were discussed at the April 1 Board of Education meeting.   Mr. Rubbo, Assistant Superintendent for Business, said new state aid runs showed an increase of  $169,910  for the Pelham Schools. Another $132,000 was also added to revenues. That money represents anticipated  reimbursements for tuition from the State for two Pelham special education students attending residential treatment centers. The Board also asked Mr. Rubbo to include another $66,000 in revenue for  an additional tuition-paying student to attend one of Pelham’s special needs programs next year.   Mr. Rubbo said he will continue to look for opportunities to reduce the tax levy increase.

The Board agreed to reinstate a psychologist and add a special education teacher to support  a therapeutic support class in the Middle School for students with special needs. These students would otherwise be attending out-of-district programs, a cost to be paid by the District.

The Board also agreed to fund additional games for large modified teams that were divided into two teams but not for other modified or junior varsity teams.  Interim Athletic director, Lynn Sabia, said it was unlikely that additional games would be available for junior varsity teams due to cut backs by other districts.  She is looking at additional opportunities to reduce costs associated with the reinstatement of a junior varsity ice hockey team.  Also approved was $4000 for a part time strength and conditioning coach to work with all high school athletes in an effort to avert the increase in common injuries.

A second day for the Student Assistance counselor who works with PMHS students on substance abuse prevention will also be funded, a cost previously  paid for by a grant.  The need for a third day will be explored with the high school administration.


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