Mount Vernon Plans School Budget With No Tax Levy Increase

Editor's Note: The deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots has been extended. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order Sunday saying the ballots can be accepted by hand delivery through 5 p.m. Tuesday or received by mail through June 16 by the school district. SEE: Cuomo Extends Deadline For Mail-In School Budget Ballots

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt a $25.9 million budget for the 2020-21 school year. For the sixth time in seven years, the board and administration are putting forward a budget with a zero percent increase in the tax levy.

The budget addresses the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its impact on school district programs, staffing, and the sustainability of student progress. The outbreak has not only closed the schools but caused a recession.

State foundation aid has been frozen, providing no increase for the coming year, which was much less than Mount Vernon school officials had anticipated.

State aid accounts for 40 percent of the district’s revenue. Property taxes account for a 52 percent share.

The district will use $11.5 million in fund balance to help balance the budget and avert reductions that would jeopardize the progress the district has made over the last five years. Of the $11.5 million in excess of $6 million comes from unexpended monies from the current budget. The balance comes from restricted reserves that have been previously put aside to reduce the cost of bond payments.

Mid-year cuts may be necessary.

The state may make spending adjustments to its budget in the coming year, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned it could mean even less money for school districts in New York. If these adjustments were to affect the district’s state foundation aid, the district would need to make further revisions to its spending plan, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton said.

“This year’s budget has been constructed conservatively at a very difficult time for New York State and our Mount Vernon community," Dr. Hamilton said. "We kept in mind some important contingencies, such as the potential for a future decision by the state to reduce foundation aid even further, as well as our need to not request an increase in taxes during a time when many of our families are struggling to make ends meet at home. We did our best to also bring the 2020 Vision to fruition and begin implementing our 2020 and Beyond Strategic Planning. It has been a difficult budget process, but I am proud of our team and this spending plan."

The $259,601,834 proposal is 1.38 percent or $3,521,777 above the current approved budget of $256,080,057.

It aligns with the Board of Education’s goals and the Beyond 2020 post-20/20 Vision.

Highlights include:

• $35,000 to put up a new fence at Columbus School
• $400,000 final science lab and electric at Hamilton School
• $1,000,000 state grant from Senator Biaggi to help restore the Culinary Arts program at MVHS
• $700,000 increase in technology expenses to help close the digital divide while maintaining a high level of programs
• Complying with New York Education 2D law: protecting against ransomware, security breaches
• Opening of the Nelson Mandela / Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School next year
• Maintain support services that the district has put in over the last six years such as nurses, counselors, physical education staff, music, and arts
• $100,000 continuation of a multi-year phase-in plan for replacement of old carpet with vinyl tile, walls, and security at Lincoln School
• $80,000 for one new facilities truck (replace current 25-year-old truck)
• $100,000 continuation of districtwide window repairs
• $870,000 decrease in services for students with disabilities and multi-language learners due to efficiency protocols in each department
• Teacher retirement incentive to yield $750,000 in savings

Of the total expenditures, 72 percent will be used on educational programming and just 9 percent will be used on administrative costs with the remainder spent on capital.

As a result of the extended closure of school beginning in March, the district has been able to reduce spending and has saved in excess of $6 million. This savings has ­­­helped the district absorb the reduction in state aid without adversely impacting the education program, officials said.

“The Board recognizes the tremendous tax burden on our community that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic," said School Board President Arlene Torres. “We knew this would not be the year to ask our community for a tax rate increase. We have had success in growing our academic programs and offerings while maintaining the same tax rate for the last several years. Our buildings are in much better condition. The quality of instruction has increased. Yes, we have more work to do, but I think that speaks volumes to the quality of work that has been done by our administration.”

Qualified voters in the district will receive ballots by mail this year to vote on the budget and elect three Board of Trustees. Also on this year’s ballot will be candidates for positions on the Mount Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees. Ballots must be received by the district by 5 p.m. June 9, in order to be counted.