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042304 Bruce Pavalow had little to add to budget process
 | the Editor: |
| Katonah-Lewisboro School District |
I am pleased that Mr. Pavalow is recognizing that balancing quality education with fiscal prudence is not as easy as he implied a month ago. On March 18, he addressed the community's concerns regarding rising school costs with the following "most of these concerns could be easily resolved by more effective management and communication." However, he contributed no new ideas during the budget process.
In fact, many of the items he identified as inefficient either have been addressed by the BOE, or are in the process of review.
KLSEE - The board finished their review of this program and it has been eliminated due to low enrollment.
Sleuth - After a thorough review of the recommendations made by Dr. Borland of Teachers College, Columbia University, the board decided to phase out Sleuth over the next two years. Cost savings will be reallocated to the Differentiated Instruction initiative.
Telephone system - The district is currently reviewing options for a more effective system.
Mentoring program - There are four "mentoring programs" in the district. One is to help newly hired teachers become accustomed to their new positions through the guidance of a seasoned K-L teacher. Second is the mentorship program, which identifies a child whose educational needs cannot be met within the regular classroom. Peer Leadership helps ninth graders make the transition to the high school with the support of juniors and seniors. Finally, the proposed WISE program for seniors will help them experience the workplace through internships. What specific inefficiencies is Mr. Pavalow referring to amongst these educationally sound mentoring programs?
Public relations consultant - The hiring of a single expert in charge of communication has resulted in actual savings for the district. The recently retired district clerk, Margaret Brinson, had been managing the communication responsibilities through BOCES. Her position, with full benefits, was eliminated and the district clerk responsibilities were given to the superintendent's secretary. This is a more cost-effective way of handling communications for the school district.
The final two items are issues that generated much debate within the community, however they are old issues that represent no potential savings to the district.
Administrative raises - The 200102 board approved raises that were in line with other school districts, yet our administrative team is one of the smallest in Westchester. As a businessman, how would Mr. Pavalow propose hiring and retaining top management of an $85 million enterprise, especially when our neighboring districts are hiring top administrators at salaries above what we are paying?
Andes property - This is no longer an issue as the community defeated the proposed purchase. However, there is still a shortage of field space even with the new turf contest field, which was privately funded.
I believe that our current BOE is taking care of business in a timely and cost effective manner. I urge voters to re-elect Donna Walsh on May 18. Having served on the board for four years, Ms. Walsh is the only candidate with experience in offering solutions to educational issues balanced with fiscal prudence.