Mandate Relief

Bedford Central School District along with other school districts across the state is asking Albany to provide relief regarding State imposed mandates - those that are underfunded, unfunded and funded.  Many of these mandates are outdated, unnecessary or no longer effective or applicable. The implementation of these imposed mandates are costing school districts much in terms of money and staffing, both of which are more effectively used elsewhere.  Bedford Central has implemented many scheduling, staffing and program efficiencies and continues to do so where ever possible. Mandate relief is another area in which efficiencies need to be implemented.

During the 2011-2012 school year, the Governor and New York State Legislature imposed on school districts (and other municipalities) a tax levy cap. Based on a specific formula, each school district must calculate its tax levy cap for funding of the subsequent school year; the budget for the subsequent school year shall not exceed the calculated tax levy cap.  In the event that a District needs to exceed the tax levy cap it would require a super majority of the the voters - 60% of the voters would have to pass the budget.

Bedford Central has imposed its own cap over the past four years by keeping the levy increase under 2% for each of those years. To meet the fiscal restrictions of the tax levy cap and the continued costs of mandates imposed by the State, net cuts of more than $2.5 million have been made to the 2012-2013 budget.  Our efforts to cuts costs and focus resources have maintained our community-valued programs, class sizes and student services.  Without mandate relief, maintaining these important items will be difficult in order to meet the tax levy cap.

Community advocacy could provide additional support in asking Albany for help with mandate relief.

• Participated in Assemblyman Castelli's Budget Hearing March 2011 and March 2012

• Submitted proposals to the Mandate Relief Council

• Active member on the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) - WPSBA - Susan Elion Wollin

• Record Review - Letter to the Editor - Dr. Hochman

• NYTimes Op Ed - Dr. Hochman

• Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents Mandate Relief Report

• The February 9, 2012 Mandate Relief Counsel Resolution adopted by the Board of Education

• "Keys to Financial Stability" by Susan Elion Wollin and Dr. Jere Hochman published on-line and submittted to Gov. Cuomo, Assemblyman Castelli & Senate Greg Ball.

• Tax Cap Letter by Dr. Jere Hochman to Gov. Cuomo

and more... (click here to read all of these documents)

Member of:
National School Boards Association (NSBA); New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA); Westchester Putnam School Boards Association (WPSBA); Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents; New York State Council of School Superintendents.

Please make your views known.

Click here to be directed to the Legislative Advocacy Section of the website.

 Affiliated Links:

Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

New York State School Boards Association

Lower Hudson Council Of School Superintendents

NYS Mandate Relief Council

NYSED