After weeks of cutting teachers and programs from the 2011-12 budget, Cobleskill-Richmondville may restore a few of the cut items.
Using money from its undesignated fund balance, other reserves and a slight tax hike, restoration is possible, school board members agreed in a special meeting Monday night.
But while parents again pleaded to bring back cut programs, board members also heard demands to change the way New York funds education. (See related story.)
Monday’s meeting drew about 120 to the Golding auditorium. Superintendent Lynn Macan reviewed how C-R has made cuts and changes to compensate for an expected $3.9 million reduction in state aid.
One of those changes would have all pre-kindergarten through second grade attend Ryder School and third through fifth at Radez, a move board members approved Monday.
Besides cuts in staff, programs and services, C-R is also using $900,000 in federal jobs money to help close the $3.9 million gap, Ms. Macan said.
Also, the district learned last week that the state legislature restored $294,270 in aid. C-R is also restructuring debt to gain another $250,000, Ms. Macan said.
Those plusses and minuses leave the district about $650,000 short of closing the gap, she said.
School officials are looking at a tax levy increase of from one to four percent, plus using money from the fund balance, to close the gap and possibly restore programs.
C-R has a fund balance of about $1.7 million, Ms. Macan said. It’s about $200,000 over the state-imposed limit, and the district must apply the money to get under the limit.
More fund balance may be available, Ms. Macan said.
“And we want to look at our other reserves,” said board member Garry Davis. “If we look at a [levy increase] of two and a half percent, we could see if we want to restore some things.”
Board member Howard Rickard agreed.
“We have some fund balance to work with some day. If that day isn’t today, I don’t know what is,” Mr. Rickard said, to applause from the audience.
He and Mr. Davis asked for a list of the programs and positions already cut and a cost for each to see what might be restored.
“That way, the consumer can see what he’s getting for his money,” Mr. Rickard said. “It’s not just numbers, it’s programs, too.”
Ms. Macan said a list would be ready for a citizens’ budget meeting last night.
“I think there’s some potential for restoration,” said board member Rose Surman, though she cautioned against using too much fund balance because C-R is likely to need it next year.
Although several board members discussed tax increases, others urged caution.
“Two and a half or three percent? I’m worried that some people can’t pay their taxes now,” board member Liz Montario said.
“Some can’t afford any more,” agreed board member Jeff Foote.
Board members expected to look at the tax levy, fund balance and programs and adopt a proposed budget Monday night.