School Board Told "Don't Cut the Bond"

by Joan R. Simon

(November 3, 2008) With the economy in trouble, Mamaroneck's school board held a meeting on October 30 to gather community input on the $41 million capital improvement bond that was finalized on June 5 . (See: Mam'k School Board Okays $40.6 Million Bond for Fall) The bond proposal secured the necessary environmental (SEQRA) approval several weeks ago and is expected to be put before the community for a vote this winter.

$22 Million “Bare Bones” Alternative

Before opening up the meeting to the audience, the administration outlined an alternative “bare bones” bond of $22 million that would cover the boilers, heating and ventilation (HVAC) system and new windows at the Hommocks; a new boiler and partial HVAC system for Central; and urgently needed roof repairs across the district. These were described as “projects critical to keeping our schools open and operating safely.”

Left out was approximately $9 million of construction projects, including asbestos abatement, electrical work at the elementary schools needed for additional technology in the classrooms, bathroom renovations, and door and alarm upgrades required by code. Also excluded in the “bare bones” proposal was $8.2 million in field renovations at the high school (3 turf fields, lighting and a new track) and Central School; and $1.3 million for playground resurfacing and drainage at Murray and Chatsworth.

Audience Supports Original $41 Million Bond

More than 75 people attended the meeting, most of them parents of current students. Three speakers agreed with the board's concerns and asked for cuts. Caherine Wachs asked that the board "do triage on the bond." The other 23 speakers endorsed, in varying ways, a larger bond. Some argued that the June 5th bond was already “bare bones” having been pared down from an initial proposal of $51.1 million a year ago (which itself was culled from a much larger construction to-do list). (See: School Board Debates $51.1 Million Bond.)

The district is required by state law to develop a 5-year plan for building maintenance and repair. The current bond proposal stems from the plan completed in 2005. The last time the community voted on a bond was in June 2001 when $49.7 million was approved for additions to the high school and Mamaroneck Ave. School. (See: Major Construction Nears Completion at MHS.)

The board was criticized by several speakers for even suggesting an alternative, with Mac Budill recommending they “put that back in the bottle.” Rather than offer low-cost alternatives, the board was urged “to sell this to the community.” One suggestion was to highlight the cost-savings from the new boiler system and windows at the Hommocks. Ken Karle from LAN Associates, the architecture and engineering firm that surveyed the buildings for the 5-year plan, estimated annual savings of approximately $50,000.

Several speakers argued that keeping the buildings and fields in good condition was essential to a quality school district, and good schools translate into higher property values. “You have to think long term,” advised Ted Sobel. “You put a lot of good things into the bond,” he said. “Don’t panic.”

A number of parents and teachers argued that, for safety reasons, field and playground renovations were mandatory. Broken bones and other injuries were cited. Tony Anselmo of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Lacrosse League described the situation as a “train wreck waiting to happen.”

How Does a Bond Impact Taxes?

Meryl Rubinstein, assistant superintendent for business, explained that a bond voted on this winter will not impact the budget until 2010-11. After that, the cost of a bond will be reflected in the debt service figure in the annual operation budget.

The impact on the taxpayer will be offset by aid from New York State at a rate of 23.7%. All of the smaller bond and 77% of the $41 million bond would qualify for state aid. An additional $1.55 million from a one-time EXCEL grant would help offset the cost of the boilers.

Ms. Rubinstein presented a chart that takes into consideration state aid when calculating the relative impact of the two bonds.

A “barebones” bond would create only a very modest increase in the overall budget and in taxpayers' bills for 3 years (2012-2015). The maximum increase would come in 2013-2014, when the smaller bond would contribute around $92 more to the taxes of an average home (which is assessed at $20,000) than the home owner is paying in 2008. The full $41 million bond would add just under $400 during the same peak year.

Jim Hanley, president of Fields For Kids (FFK), reminded the board that the district will only get help from his organization and from others, such as the Larchmont Soccer League, if the field renovations are included in the bond. FFK has pledge $750,000 for lights at both high school field areas. The Larchmont Soccer League has pledged a $50,000 contribution up front, with another $50,000 over a 3-year period.

More Feedback Wanted Before Nov 18 Final Decision

Following the meeting, board president Linnet Tse said she was “disappointed that there was not better representation from more segments of the community. I have to believe that there are other very strong points of view out there.” She added, “For me personally, the feedback was more confusing than I had expected.”

To broaden the input they receive, the board has launched an online survey.

The board will make its final decision on the bond at a public meeting on November 18 at 7:30 in the Mamaroneck High School tiered classroom.

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