Superintendent Jonathan Raymond and Bill Pastore from the Business Office presented the first draft of a 2022-23 budget for the City School District of New Rochelle at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. The presentation began a conversation about the use of funds to support the needs and wants of the school district. The proposal, which is being developed within the context of “Reimagining the Whole Child: Forging a Path Forward,” emphasizes the priorities of unfinished learning and wellness, and represents initial thinking about a spending plan. The draft includes district-wide contractual salary increases and top priorities as identified by each school principal as being critical to addressing the needs of their students and families.
Priorities for the budget were informed by Superintendent Raymond’s Listening and Learning Tour and 100-Day Plan. The proposal focuses on providing equitable opportunities toward college and career; family and community engagement; organizational excellence; and fostering safe, welcoming, respectful, and rigorous learning environments.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Education asked questions and provided feedback on exploring cost savings, which is being incorporated into the next draft. On a parallel track, the school district continues to plan the development of a Strategic Roadmap, which will inform future budgets.
The March 22 Board of Education meeting will be at Barnard Elementary School. Participants may attend in-person or via Zoom; public comment is invited. All households in the school district will receive a budget newsletter in early May. The budget referendum will go before voters on May 17.