Photo by A. Warner

By Staff

March 26, 2025: Below are the key items discussed in the Bronxville School Board of Education meeting on March 20, 2025. 

New Assistant Principal and Recent Retirement

Dr. Rachel Kelly, Superindentent of the Bronxville Schools, introduced and welcomed Dr. Michelle Tween who is a new Assistant Principal in the Elementary School.

Dr. Tween received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Fordham University, a Masters of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from The College of New Rochelle, an Advanced Diploma in School Building Leadership from The College of New Rochelle, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University. She was an Assistant Principal at the Austin Road Elementary School in Mahopac and a teacher at the Chapel School in Bronxville.

Dr. Kelly also mentioned that Jean Windels has resigned in order to retire. Windels served for 19 years as a science teacher and also as advisor and coach of Middle School Science Olympiad team.

Washington DC Trip

Dr. Kelly noted that the Bronxville School 8th graders had a very successful trip to Washington, DC. This is the first time this trip has been undertaken since Covid,

Report by Bronxville School Student Representative

Bronxville School student Matthew Curran reported that there had been several events in the High School, including a senior class trip to Broadway, "Spring into the Arts," and high school volleyball and dodgeball tournaments in which proceeds supported good causes. He also noted that the Bronxville Track and Field team went to nationals, and multiple students attended and set records.

School 2025-26 Budget Presentation

Dan Carlin, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented the School's proposed Budget of $55.2 million for the 2025-26 school year.

The Budget includes a proposed tax levy of $48.16 million, which is a 1.2% increase in the tax levy from 2024. Carlin said that this tax rate is within the "low end of tax rates over the last 20 years." In terms of what this means for school taxes, Carlin provided an example that revealed that a homeowner with a home assessed at $2 million will pay about $26,154 in school taxes.

About 76% of the School's Budget is salaries and benefits. The next largest expenditure is for services that the school contracts for various items including security, cleaning, insurance, transportation and other items.

Carlin noted that a referendum this May will include a proposition to use $5 million of School reserves and borrow another $15 million to fund much-needed renovations to the School which are discussed below.

The Board adopted the Budget. There will be a public meeting on the Budget on May 8th and a referendum on May 20th.

Upcoming Capital Projects

Dan Carlin then discussed upcoming capital projects.

He said that two years ago, the School's consulting architects updated the School's 5-year capital plan and identified almost $60 million of work. The School and Board then reviewed the list of items and identified the most needed work, which will cost about $20 million. It is anticipated that $5 million of this work be financed by the School's capital reserve and $15 million by a new bond issue.

Carlin noted that improvements are needed in the following areas:

-Masonry, structural steel repair, window replacement, and gutter repair in the Elementary School

-Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements in the Elementary School classrooms

-Air conditioning in the band room, chorus room, and west gym

-Air conditioning in the C wing for the weight room and cardio rooms

-Asbestos abatement in the classrooms. Carlin noted that this is not a dangerous situation but rather that when the School does work, it will abate asbestos where it can.

-Level the floors in the Elementary School.

-Also in the Elementary School, address ceilings, walls, and casework, much of which is original work from 60 years ago.

-Bathroom improvements

-In the boys' locker room, add an additional toilet by eliminating a shower or two

-Add built-in storage in the Elementary School classrooms

-Upgrade the fire doors

-Refurbish the main elevator

-Replace and widen some sidewalks on Meadow Avenue

The Board approved this list of projects and the proposed financing.

Current Year Budget Projection

Dan Carlin said the full-year projection for the current year is "in good shape."

He also said that bids for the pump enclosure and security vestibule are below budget and that the same contractor will be used for both projects. Carlin thanked the Bronxville School Foundation which contributed to the security project. 

Finally, Carlin said the grounds are looking good going into spring.

Other Items

Trustee Sara Kenny discussed a recent meeting regarding grants in the curriculum area for consideration for funding by the Bronxville School Foundation.

Watch the Meeting on Youtube

You can click here to watch the meeting