Letters to the Editor, Feb. 13, 2026

Former BCSD chair questions budget presentation

To the Editor:

The budget presentation charts highlighted in the article Feb. 6 (“A first look at schools’ new budget.”) of the growth of revenue, expenditures, and reserves are conflicting. One chart shows an average annual surplus, and the other, an average growth rate in which expenditures exceed revenue, 4.7% vs. 2.7%. 

Both cannot be true. The calculation of growth in expenditures in the second chart is overstated. It starts from the lower expenditure COVID year. Adjusting for the COVID year surplus, the compound annual growth rate in expenditures is 2.7% (not 4.7%) compared to revenue growth of 2.5%. 

Even so, this is only part of the story.  The 2025 Audited Financial Statements reveal significant increases in expenditures in 2025 alone, in three major categories: General Support (repairs and maintenance), Instructional (primarily salaries), and Benefits (health insurance). The increases in Repairs and Maintenance and Instructional expenses, in the audited report, included expenses for prior year encumbrances of $1.2 million and $0.9 million respectively, which represent 30% to 50% of the 2025 increase. (Encumbrances are prior commitments under contract that have not yet been expensed.) This delayed accounting makes expense comparisons year over year, and future planning difficult. 

The district needs to address the volatility and timely presentation of expenses in all areas of the business. The combination of untimely reporting of recurring and nonrecurring expenses, the lack of a multi-year financial plan, and real inefficiencies, is a toxic mix for financial management. I look forward to continued improvements in these areas, as well as new investments that create value in the educational experience at the same time. Less effort should be required to find financial facts, and more focus on education.

Robert Mazurek Former president BCSD Board of Education, former chairperson finance committee of the board, Budget Advisory Committee member

Feels Mount Kisco is no longer safe

To the Editor:

In the midst of all the protesting our area is consumed with — can we take some time for public safety? I was accosted twice within a one-month period by the homeless that have taken over Mount Kisco. I was frightened for my safety. 

A walk from Starbucks to Key Bank, which I have been doing for over 30 years (for business purposes) is no longer safe. Too bad. 

Lisa Hammer Somers

Shah: Federal government should ‘follow, enforce and uphold the law’

To the Editor:

Many things were said and not said in the Town Board meeting last night. 

Someone said that ICE did not face charges. While this is true, it does not mean that those employed by ICE are innocent. We have seen people murdered. People in custody have died. I did not mention that I have been to several demonstrations. I have been going to demonstrations for a long time. I believe that the federal government should follow, enforce and uphold the law.

There was a lot of talk about the Constitution. Think about what it means to build a more perfect union. Not perfection, but a place where we come together and create a community with kindness and compassion. We need to move away from name-calling and use of ugly labels when talking about our neighbors. We need to respect and take care of each other as neighbors. The diversity of our perspectives is part of what makes our community interesting and different from other towns. We will move further by working together, rather than focusing on our differences. We need to listen to each other, not with prejudice and hate, but with curiosity and respect. Together, we can defeat injustice, not people. Together, we can transform suffering into resilience. Together, we can bravely choose love.

Mary Shah  Lewisboro Town Board member South Salem