School District Survey to Shape Upcoming Budget Discussions

The New Rochelle City School District wants to hear from you.

The district announced Thursday an online survey to find out what residents think about school-related issues, in particular, focused on school spending.

Superintendent Richard Organisciak said the need for information comes on the heels of the governor's proposed budget that includes state education aid cuts for the second year in a row.

"It is critical for us to hear from all constituencies about what is most vital to them as we look to make appropriate reductions in spending, while maintaining the high quality of education that the New Rochelle community has come to expect," he said, in a prepared statement.

Besides the survey, which is on the district's homepage, and should be complete by Feb. 10.

To further involve the community, the district will broadcast live two budget discussions:

• School Budget Community Input Forum, 7 p.m. Feb. 10.
• School Budget Review Session, 7 p.m. March 2.

The sessions will be held at the library. They will be viewable on Cablevision Channel 77, Verizon Channel 30 and the district's Web site.

School Board President Sara Richmond said in a prepared statement that the live broadcasts would provide an opportunity for people who might not otherwise be able to attend.

District spokesman Paul Costiglio said the survey is for parents of public school and private school students, students themselves and community members who don't have children in New Rochelle schools.

"The survey is meant to get at the heart of what is important," he said, "whether they are parents or don't have any kids in school."

Costiglio said the district would welcome input from residents concerning ways to further involve the community in budget discussions.

The survey, which contains six questions, including one comment area and a multi-part question, takes little time to complete.

Questions include the participant's school election voting record, information as to whether one has a child in public or private school and a ranking—from essential to not important—of such things such as technology in classrooms, maintaining current class sizes, keeping middle school athletics and preserving AP classes.