07-18-07 Video Board of Education Stated Meeting (Includes Discussion of the $3.4million Reduction) 03/21/07 Superintendent's 2007-2008 Proposed Budget Summary Community Newsletter Special Budget Edition of Currents 03/13/07 Video Audit, Budget & Finance Committee Discussion of Budget Superintendent Presents Testimony in Albany to Support $26.8 Million in Education Funding for the Yonkers Public Schools 2/27/07 Video Mr. Pierorazio's Testimony Before NYS Legislative Committees Mr. Pierorazio Briefs Governor Spitzer's Staff About District Facilities Needs Five Year Capital Facilities Plan

$3.4 Million Reduction to Yonkers Schools Budget
$1.5 Million Contract for Excellence Funds in Question

Superintendent Bernard P. Pierorazio released districtwide reductions to close the 2007-2008 Yonkers Public Schools fiscal year budget gap, a shortfall that may total $4.9 million. “We still have confidence that funding will come through,” said Superintendent Pierorazio, referring to possible action by the City of Yonkers and the State of New York, “but instituting these reductions is the most prudent course of action at this time.” The recommended budget will now total $459,726,704. The budget still contains funding that is necessary to support all mandated instructional programs as well as ongoing contract negotiations with District unions.

In April, the Yonkers Board of Education approved for submission to the City of Yonkers a $463.1 million budget presented by the Superintendent at a public hearing. At that time, Superintendent Pierorazio noted, “Today, we are at a critical point. This is a responsible, fiscally cautious school budget that includes necessary and long overdue increases in services to students.”

The potential $4.9 million in reductions represents a decrease of $3.4 million from the $463.1 million budget proposed in April. Additionally, $1.5 million, resulting from the lack of flexibility associated with the use of the $8.5 million Contract for Excellence allocated to Yonkers by New York State, will be held in a contingency fund awaiting State Education Department approval. With regard to the Contract for Excellence revenue, Superintendent Pierorazio said, “The Yonkers Public Schools must have the financial ability to maintain and expand best practices that demonstrate success, and lead to improvement in all other areas. The State is working with the District to utilize the $8.5 million in addressing the extraordinary circumstances that impact the Yonkers Public Schools.”

Superintendent Pierorazio continued, “Being proactive, every department in the District was asked to prepare for this contingency months ago.” While there is no decrease in teachers and building administrators, other reductions are being made throughout the District. There is a considerable impact on Pupil Support Services, including the special needs population. In addition, over $1.1 million in reductions to the Facilities budget will further impact the District, already suffering from years of deferred maintenance. “This is a difficult situation,” stated Board President Bernadette Dunne, “but our parents and students need to know how this reduction in funding will impact the Yonkers Public Schools when the District opens its doors in September.”