[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6304600,"mediaKeyId","2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666","parentId",2459040,"title","Ossining superintendent previews 2025–26 budget plan; administration projects tax‑levy limit under 2%","audioSeconds",1014,"startMs",4242000,"endMs",5256000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666&start=4242&end=5256","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666/thumbnail_4242000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304600/New-York/Ossining-superintendent-previews-202526-budget-plan-administration-projects-taxlevy-limit-under-2","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304600-da65a83e2e9b081fb116f42b1216c584/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146757&Signature=cDn-h-aX5-RfBcVeGcT7P2BOteGrxbfzDkl9t8OXDXC4JeiMlBZaMJPy~VVUKc0XgQ5bZQQtlS944svBROlTwXWnpYCjTp2pp0YHOgE4xtL6RjcJQBwa8GmScCaq2WHIBPn2zSSWJ9fNDGL~wDuP1lrq4mFOwYmgffUL52E0iuYjIzxbdqKWxLNFiRoPgtasqpdZD-4yoJm6IX2J3xWUeG8Oa7HbLGegVc00NDIrX5PmZzF5p-V770d5~dFMKRJcAlYWzyIsBQUpv2USvb2ygceHyxjn4JdVuLgXxAE1DxCwzpwWrre6DWZksk5WoRWtw7eIKI~LEGnfTTfY85fKUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-27T13:52:02Z","article","Superintendent Mary Fox Alter and Assistant Superintendent Alita McCoy presented a budget preview Feb. 26 that set the district’s broad fiscal approach for the 2025–26 school year and outlined next steps in the board’s March review schedule.

Fox Alter said the annual budget is an \"educational plan\" that must balance staffing, programs, facilities and fiscal responsibility. The administration said it will hold a Saturday budget workshop on March 15, an additional meeting on March 19 and the regularly scheduled March 12 meeting to finalize details before the legally required deadlines.

Assistant Superintendent Alita McCoy reviewed key revenue and expense drivers the district is using in its preliminary forecast. On health insurance, McCoy reported that New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premiums for the coming cycle are generally lower than the district had anticipated for the current year, producing an unanticipated surplus in 2024–25. McCoy cited sample premium changes presented at the meeting: the individual tier premium up about 2.27 percent, family tier up about 2 percent, and mixed changes for Medicare tiers; the overall effect was described as modest and, in aggregate, favorable to the district’s current fiscal year position.

Pension contribution guidance was described as modestly favorable for certified staff: the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) employer contribution was expected to decline from 10.11 percent to approximately 10 percent of payroll; the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) employer rate for non‑certificated staff was projected to rise from 15.24 percent to 16.5 percent.

On revenues McCoy listed four principal buckets: local property tax levy (subject to New York State’s maximum allowable tax‑levy formula), state aid (finalized in late March), use of reserves or fund balance, and other revenues such as sales tax and investment interest. The administration said it expects increased state aid runs received Jan. 21 produced an approximately $4.1 million increase in state aid compared with prior estimates and that building aid increases also reduce local levy pressure. McCoy told the board the administration estimates the district’s tax‑levy limit under the formula will be “no more than 2 percent,” assuming the capital scope remains as currently proposed and without additional use of reserves.

On fund balance and reserves, McCoy said the district plans to allocate approximately $6.6 million of unallocated fund balance toward the 2025–26 budget and does not anticipate using the district’s pension or capital reserves this year. She said the 2024–25 fiscal year should show a surplus driven in part by lower NYSHIP costs and favorable interest income on investments (the administration noted recent investment returns near 5 percent). McCoy and the superintendent also flagged planned capital work that is anticipated to fit within the proposed budget, including upgrades described as air‑conditioning projects and security camera improvements; the administration said the scope is designed to avoid exhausting capital reserves and referenced a prior $12 million bond in planning discussions.

The superintendent and assistant superintendent emphasized that salary increases remain the district’s largest expense and that contracts and staffing assumptions will be carried forward into the draft budget. Board members asked clarifying questions about the tax‑levy formula, the role of building aid, federal grant continuity and possible alternative health‑insurance arrangements; administrators said staff are exploring options and will bring proposals to the board as available.

The board will receive detailed budget books and line‑by‑line projections in early March, ahead of the scheduled public workshops and formal adoption timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting February 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Mary Fox Alter and Assistant Superintendent Alita McCoy on Feb. 26 presented a preliminary framework for the 2025–26 school budget, citing favorable state aid, lower‑than‑expected NYSHIP costs this year and an estimated $6.6 million use of unallocated fund balance to help keep the tax‑levy limit at or below 2 percent under the state formula.","taxTitle","OSSINING UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38331,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6304595,"Votes at a glance: Ossining Board approves personnel, contracts, reports and nominations Feb. 26",5953,43000,5996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666&start=43&end=5996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666/thumbnail_43000.jpg","/articles/6304595/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Ossining-Board-approves-personnel-contracts-reports-and-nominations-Feb-26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304595-5e8fb540647d11072d8b72b629209ebf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146757&Signature=fcXJG1rEjtXfTSQjPao5~KFa0qD5DDuwAjtgM-A6jnsE-2KtrowQFDuZMv3YRW0LTyrXT~EuCeyOLQt4ZKAVuv7E5ShGL8P9uzLcDpuwd9rYHjkQfTBhysJT9kBQtzEevCPEdlHVkTvf7sWrl5lC7s2up7XbUZPHiO2F27tHAQPOn4IMgHE0GJ1G9M3QOSOhaxF3WX8iDhiRxQ6efbIdAQkcVR6tvmlAYHP0SVeGbvYGnBRP4PUAcS4TwNMPSIAP-3SExD7QmLPNI6skuUtV8-NAaQ7u5ozmILYhhExw5Q2Ci5DvA11Z1G70wr3dP~YmFMBWlFZQxCONrJ-byUqZpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ossining Union Free School District Board of Education approved a slate of consent‑agenda and personnel items during its Feb. 26 regular meeting. Most motions were approved by voice vote with no roll‑call tallies recorded in the public transcript.

Votes at a glance (motion text summarized; outcome as recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Move up item 6.6 and appoint a deputy district clerk (agenda item 6.6): approved by voice vote.

- 4.1 Resolution to appoint additional consultants for 2024–25: approved by voice vote.

- 4.2 Resolution to approve an affiliation agreement with Pace University: approved by voice vote.

- 4.3 Resolution to approve a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Northwell Community Scholars Program: approved; board requested additional written detail for future updates.

- 4.4 Resolution to approve an amendment to the employment agreement for the per‑diem literacy and transition consultant: approved by voice vote.

- 4.5 Resolution to nominate a candidate to the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES Board of Directors (nomination of Frank): approved; recorded abstention by one trustee (abstaining trustee not named in the transcript excerpt).

- 4.6 Resolution regarding an installment purchase agreement (IPA) with Southern Westchester BOCES: approved by voice vote.

- 5.1 Resolution to approve recommended placements (curriculum & instruction consent item): approved.

- 6.1–6.7 Business office matters (treasurer’s report, budget and revenue report, disposal of outdated textbooks, driver education funds, donation/amendment to scholarship, interfund transfers, and the previously moved 6.6): approved.

- 7.2–7.21 Personnel consent agenda (rescindings, resignations, appointments, substitutes, volunteers and administrative items): approved as presented; several specific items were moved out of the consent agenda earlier and handled separately as noted in the transcript.

Where the transcript recorded voice votes, the board chair asked “All in favor?” and trustees responded “Aye”; no roll‑call tallies were shown in the public transcript for those motions. In at least one case (item 4.5, nomination to the BOCES board) a trustee explicitly stated an abstention when votes were called.

Administrative follow‑ups recorded during the meeting included requests for further information on the Northwell Community Scholars Program and a note that the treasurer would continue to support fund‑balance forecasting. The board concluded the public portion of the meeting and voted to enter executive session to consult with counsel.","The Ossining Board of Education approved multiple consent‑agenda items, personnel changes and business reports Feb. 26, with most motions passing by voice vote and at least one recorded abstention on a BOCES nomination.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6304605,"Ossining grants tenure to Claremont math intervention teacher Alexandra Ramirez",81,3280000,3361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666&start=3280&end=3361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666/thumbnail_3280000.jpg","/articles/6304605/New-York/Ossining-grants-tenure-to-Claremont-math-intervention-teacher-Alexandra-Ramirez","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304605-ae490e7f693887961d9828373ae2eb7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146757&Signature=kyGzE6IgbREJHM4NUyWRG~wTNhtupHwZd5bAQ3mQYKh06fo2uHaOw6u4xGVi-Q9XYhHkucI8-MWbYrmDxWkOWfD3KKgLhBQMmSeLAeMK0X8Tp38CmF9KyfhUZfsfQWurftb1TXrIj-jmwvDdkYdjgPKxvosJAe1cDXfi4gh9TQmIDTJRGYmSrDISSSnC07Wu01fftIsnSvvZZwn91CY1ket~49bRaFPFJXFPnniiZ1O7VL6AuK~RFLszfRch0HkdUUL5JVlzPgmhuI9roBR4NsNBFCxmjgvN5VHJH8nuLO1en0trrf8wqi5Tp16nEvD0YJiGA13-EdzrdyYLUH8uuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ossining Union Free School District Board of Education voted Feb. 26 to grant tenure to Alexandra Ramirez, a math Academic Intervention Services (AIS) teacher at Claremont School.

The board granted tenure after the district’s standard multiyear review process for probationary teachers. PraZine Shamsie, described at the meeting as the Claremont school leader, lauded Ramirez’s work supporting students with foundational math gaps, her use of multisensory interventions and districtwide support for teachers. Ramirez was recognized at the meeting alongside her family.

Superintendent Mary Fox Alter and administrators noted that the tenure process typically takes four years and includes multiple observations, mentorship and reviews by coordinators and principals. The board chair took a voice vote on the resolution “regarding professional staff tenure appointments.” The motion received a second, and trustees answered “Aye” when asked for approval.

Prazine Shamsie described Ramirez as the first math AIS teacher at Claremont and highlighted her classroom techniques, use of Do the Math programming, Orton‑based interventions, and collaborative work supporting bilingual learners. Shamsie said Ramirez’s lessons \"make students eager to learn\" and praised her for building both confidence and competence.

The board’s action was presented as part of the consent and personnel agenda and concluded with congratulatory remarks to Ramirez and her family.","The Ossining Board of Education voted to grant tenure to Alexandra Ramirez, a math AIS teacher at Claremont School, after a multi‑year review process. Claremont leadership and family members attended the Feb. 26 ceremony.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6304609,"Ossining Board honors four educators with Hester Bateman Spencer Hines awards during Black History Month",2928,84000,3012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666&start=84&end=3012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2459040-af3f9c2750e8110c307d81076854d666/thumbnail_84000.jpg","/articles/6304609/New-York/Ossining-Board-honors-four-educators-with-Hester-Bateman-Spencer-Hines-awards-during-Black-History-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304609-75d21f888b6db59b21efe77f6204d089/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146757&Signature=FPtua35TkuWVBSWlTvkSgsEufkhes5pze~Qc8lprM5XphHAgmLyhYjv3ljEuQOCTcZcjtD6gpBcmTGuaCIk5k-ZCydKPSprvufjWje-UMUPWm3Y2Q7RMiGdsDa~vScUFKAuZORp66iTHl0kXv00LAZOIi5~B3~GZwdv4Z~lkYxeAseMMGli9Ma50SrbyNCs4h12Swg~ouX4Ieosk1ZrTPZ1PbNSs0kEF4d6EdAmw1PFHZAi07y505fxUDo~KXK6shBFBIP7ZK6xK22qZrDaZSDaxOy85n74lRhkkMWDMKzPNrnwhMjxDdXjsktxX28impMrdXQmcyNYW91fHqricnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ossining Union Free School District recognized four longtime educators and community leaders Feb. 26 as recipients of the Hester Bateman Spencer Hines Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award during the district’s Black History Month program.

The awards honored Dr. Kendall McFarland, Jerry Norris, Brenda Hunter and Gwendolyn Lyman for extended service to students and families in Ossining. The awards ceremony included remarks from district leaders and proclamations read by town and village officials.

The awards committee presented the history of the honors and the life of Hester Bateman Spencer Hines, described at the ceremony as the first Black educator hired by the district and a longtime local civic figure. Trustee committee members Melissa (Board trustee), Frank (Board trustee) and Catherine (Board trustee) emceed the recognition segment and read biographical notes for each recipient.

Dr. Kendall McFarland, identified at the ceremony as a guidance counselor hired by the district on Sept. 1, 2005, received the first award of the night. The board highlighted McFarland’s mentorship work with Prestigious Ladies of Power (PLP) and noted she earned a master’s degree from Mercy University and a Ph.D. from Manhattanville College. Supervisor Liz Feldman of the Town of Ossining presented a town proclamation and said the town and village leaders regretfully could not attend the village meeting but sent written recognition. Dr. McFarland told the audience she felt \"in awe, and in gratitude\" and invited PLP members to join her onstage.

Jerry Norris was honored for more than 20 years of service as a special education teacher in Ossining after an earlier career with the New York City Board of Education. The board and village proclamations recounted Norris’s hiring on Sept. 1, 1999, and his retirement on July 1, 2020. Norris described launching an after‑school program, Watu Gente, with a colleague that continues to stay in touch with former students.

Brenda Hunter was recognized in absentia; the board read her hiring date as Sept. 1, 1973, and said she retired in June 2012 after nearly 39 years. The board noted Hunter served as co‑chair of the superintendent’s advisory council on the achievement gap and contributed to a district report delivered in June 2002.

Gwendolyn Lyman, hired Sept. 1, 1993, and retired Jan. 2, 2023, was honored for nearly 30 years as a social worker. The board noted Lyman’s work counseling students and families and her master’s degree in social work.

The district presented each recipient with a plaque, a commemorative clock and proclamations from the town and village. Several speakers praised the honorees’ mentorship and long‑term community work; the board closed the segment by inviting recipients and trustees for group photographs.

The recognition portion of the meeting was part of a larger agenda that later moved into regular business and budget discussions.","At its Feb. 26 meeting the Ossining Union Free School District honored four lifelong educators and community members with the Hester Bateman Spencer Hines Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award as part of a Black History Month program. Town and village officials issued proclamations recognizing the recipients' service.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ossining superintendent previews 2025–26 budget plan; administration projects tax‑levy limit under 2%

Votes at a glance: Ossining Board approves personnel, contracts, reports and nominations Feb. 26

Ossining grants tenure to Claremont math intervention teacher Alexandra Ramirez

Ossining Board honors four educators with Hester Bateman Spencer Hines awards during Black History Month