Pelham Voters OK School Budget 744-373

After months of deliberating difficult staff and athletic cuts, voters pulled their levers on Monday in favor of the Board of Education’s proposed $63.17 million school budget, 744-373.

“We tried to be careful and conservative in budgeting,” remarked Board of Education member Will Cavanagh, who was re-elected to a fourth term on Monday. “At the same time, we wanted to preserve what is excellent in Pelham.”

Whether or not they were well versed in the budget’s particulars, voters here agreed that taking a stand on this issue is a civic duty, since it directly affects taxes and education.

“I didn’t study the budget this year as well as I have in the past,” admitted Pelham resident Faith Ritchie, who no longer has children enrolled in the system. “[But] I think it’s always important for everyone who lives in the town to vote for the school budget, because it impacts our taxes and the quality of education our children get.”

Michael Treanor, a Pelham resident for 65 years, said that he votes every year, and supports the budget since he is satisfied with the education he and his children received.

Most voters were not surprised to see the high school gym swarming with voters.

“Everyone in Pelham comes to Pelham because of the great schools,” remarked April Monaco, who has four children enrolled in the district. “The whole idea of continuing with the legacy of having our schools excel...that’s pretty much why we always have a big turnout.”

Once the budget is implemented, Pelhamites can expect to see the schools save in the following areas:

• 3.6 positions were cut. The retiring English, special education teacher and the .6 administrative position for World Language Supervisor won’t be replaced and a language teacher will be eliminated (based on enrollment).
• Federal grant money will be used to fund another 1.76 positions
• Staffing for services, clubs and sports will be streamlined
• By sharing services and costs, the board saved on transportation, workman’s compensation and health care
• $4 million in reserve funds will pay down several high interest outstanding debt and offset tax increases
• Reductions were made in teacher conference and workshop attendance, operation of the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Council, some staff development and BOCES services
• Nurses will cover for one another, instead of using substitutes
• The board identified additional savings in teaching and administrative salaries, teaching stipends, a mechanics position and employee benefits