BY JAY DOWLING

A formal public budget hearing on the 2000-2001 budget of the Bedford Central School District held at the school board's meeting on Wednesday, May 3, turned out to be a "hearing" in name only. There was very little to hear, as the public elected to stay home, and there was virtually no comment on proposed spending for the upcoming school year. The public budget hearing is the result of a recent amendment to the state's Education Law, requiring that such a hearing be held as part of the budgetary process.

The budget, which was approved by the school board on, April 12, will go before the voting public for approval on Tuesday, May 16, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at attendance area elementary schools.

Bedford Central's 2000-2001 budget represents an increase of 8.52 percent over last year's budget, which translates to a spending increase of

$5,249,674 more than in 1999-2000. This will make the total amount of the school budget $66,834,236.

The capital improvement program, to which the school board remains committed, is a $746,800 expense in the budget proposal. Though this is less than what was budgeted last year, it will still provide funding for a number of projects included in the district's long range plans. Some projects, particularly at Pound Ridge Elementary School, had to be postponed from last year due to complications arising from work at Fox Lane Middle School.

North Castle residents in the Bedford Central attendance area face the largest estimated rate increase, as their tax rate would rise 20.19 percent. Pound Ridge's estimated tax rate increases 9.98 percent; New Castle increases 9.85 percent; Bedford increases 8.66 percent; and Mount Kisco's taxes would increase 8.59 percent.

Tenure appointments

Also at Wednesday night's meeting, the school board was presented with the names of 29 teachers and administrators who were recommended for tenure appointment. Paul Alcorn, president of the school board, moved that a single vote be cast in favor of accepting all 29 for tenure ' The motion was seconded and carried, and the tenure recommendations were so approved.

In the matter of the appeal brought by Mount Kisco resident Philip Christie against the school board and Bruce Dennis, schools superintendent, regarding two foreign language department trips during spring recess in 1999, Mr. Alcorn reported that the board and school district had received a ruling from State Education Commissioner Richard Mills. With regard to the ruling, "The district," Mr. Alcorn said, "is extremely disappointed. The constraints that the com

missioner has placed on school-sponsored travel - i.e., that it occurs during the regular school day and year, rather than during a school recess; that it be appropriate for academic credit; and that there be a parent of the students not participating in the trip - effectively eliminate almost all overnight student travel. The board," he said, will regard this as a "most unfortunate decision, and one that will work to the detriment of students.

"The board has every intention of complying with Commissioner Mills' ruling," Mr. Alcorn said, "but the board may choose to convey its concern for the decision to Commissioner Mills and the Board of Regents. We have asked our counsel to further review the ruling that Commissioner Mills has made."

Mr. Alcorn promised that Bedford Central would keep local residents informed of any additional developments in the matter.