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Hills residents pay their taxes, would see an increase of
approximately 9.5% in the tax rate-about one-quarter of this
increase is due to the change in the equalization rate. The
equalization rate increase would impact North Castle tax payers
even if the District was able to bring forth a budget with
no spending increase.
At subsequent Board meetings, Board members and residents
will have an opportunity to examine the details of this proposed
budget. When the Board reaches the stage of budget adoption,
on April 12, the budget summary will be mailed to every household
in the District. Before that time, any resident may call the
District Office for budget details. Finally, on May 17, District
residents vote on the budget.
One unusual feature of this budget proposal was discussed
by Mr. Carlson-the potential addition of $1.6MM from the District's
reserves, to fund the work remaining on the Athletic Facilities
Project. Mr. Carlson explained that if the Board chooses to
include this money, the tax rate will not be impacted, although
total spending would rise to approximately $61MM.
Athletic Facilities Project
The budget proposal described above, to take $1.6MM from reserves,
comes about because of a difference between the initial estimate
of $4.6MM for the Athletic Facilities work and what is now
projected to be the final cost. Work on a significant part
of the project (renovation of the high school fields, including
the installation of a new all-weather, multi-purpose field)
has been completed, but several brick and mortal items remain
(high school locker room renovation, wellness center expansion,
and field concession stand), accounting for the shortfall.
A representative of The Thomas Group, the original planning
consultants for the Athletic Facilities Project,
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was joined at the meeting by a consultant from Triton Construction,
which provided a second opinion on the potential cost of the
project at the Board's request. Triton's estimate was higher
than the initial estimate from The Thomas Group, accounting
for the funding gap which the Board will have to solve before
going further with the project. Discussion on the subject
will continue on March 21 and 22.
Refinancing Bonds
One piece of very good news was also acted upon by the Board-a
proposal toward the refinancing of existing District bond
debt, which is expected to save in the neighborhood of $1.5MM
due to lower interest rates. Board approval for underwriting
services on this refinancing set in motion the actual process,
which will culminate in a more specific report to the Board
at its conclusion.
Annual Report on Athletics
Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health Services
Mike Gulino was present at the meeting to share his Annual
Report on Athletics. Mr. Gulino's presentation is available
in print from his office. Highlights included the connection
between athletics and Board goals for 2004-05-Successful Management
of Continuing Enrollment Growth, and on-going priorities in
staffing and core values. The staffing news was good, with
Mr. Gulino reporting that some 65% of Byram Hills coaches
now come from the District teaching staff, a considerable
improvement over the percentage of only a few years ago. The
core values of sportsmanship and scholarship were also the
subject of good news, with Mr. Gulino reporting success on
the Chemical Code of Conduct, Captains' Council, school spirit,
and various sportsmanship awards. Continuing competitive success
of the various fall and winter
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teams so far this year has contributed to talk of a "Renaissance"
in Byram Hills athletics. Looking back,
Mr. Gulino was pleased to report that the recommendations
of an Athletic Study Committee in 2001 have all been implemented.
Looking forward, he listed important considerations for the
future of the program, and recommended a broad study of those
issues, leading ultimately to a long-term plan for athletics
and intramurals.
Other Matters
Board members congratulated the Byram Hills Education Foundation
on the recent success of their benefit Gala, and passed compliments
as well to the cast and crew of the very successful high school
musical called, "How to Succeed in Business…."
The Board adjourned to executive session to discussion negotiations
and personnel items.
Coming Attractions
Monday, March 21 and Tuesday, March 22-Budget Hearings II
and III-7:30 p.m.
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