in January. In making the recommendation, Mr. Chambers and Mr. Gulino affirmed the equal opportunity aims of Title IX, asked for sensitivity to the possible conflicts involved in the change for girls already active in high school athletics, and appealed to the community for ongoing patience and support with some of the inevitable difficulties of the transition.

The Board is expected to act on the recommendation at its meeting of March 23. A complete copy of the recommendation is available from the district office.

BHEF Grant
The Board was pleased to accept a grant from the Byram Hills Education Foundation, in the amount of $9,085, for digital cameras to be used in grades 1 and 2 at Coman Hill. School Board liaisons to the Foundation, Rick Kaplin and John Grimes, were asked to convey great appreciation to the Foundation.

Athletic Facilities Project Assistant Superintendent Greg Carlson reported that the Athletic Facilities Project approved by the district voters last spring was on the verge of actual construction in the spring of 2004, lacking only final approvals expected from the SED within a matter of weeks. The project would involve extensive renovations of athletic fields at all four schools, most significantly at the high school, where a new track, renovations to the locker rooms, an addition to the fitness center, and a concession stand are to be part of the work. Board members recognized again the help of a donation from last

spring's Soccer Fest.

Board Policy
Upon the recommendation of the Board's Policy Committee, Policies 3000-3240 were discussed and accepted as a first reading.

Budget Proposal for 2004-05
Mr. Chambers and Mr. Carlson provided a summary of the admini-strative budget proposal for the new school year, while Board Budget Committee members John Grimes and Rick Kaplin called attention to the series of public meetings which constitute the Board's budget review process. Yet ahead:

• March 22 Budget Hearing II
• March 23 Budget Hearing III
• April 13 Budget Hearing IV
• April 20-Adoption of Budget by Board
• May 4 Budget Hearing V
• May 18 Public Budget Vote

The administrators' summary highlighted another challenging budget, with increases driven by enrollment growth and other considerations beyond the district's control, such as benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions), and insurance costs. The total proposed budget for 2004-05 would be $55,128,065, for a variance from the 2003-04 budget of 11.9%. As outlined, the budget draft would mean a tax rate change for residents of North Castle of 9.36%.

As the Board proceeds through the budget development steps outlined above, public input is

welcome. The budget materials are available through the assistant superintendent's office, but will also be mailed home to every district household. The public meeting concluded with a Board Executive Session.