Vestal School District Trying to Cope with Budget Shortfall

3/12/2013 (Updated 11:11:22 PM)

VESTAL -- It's becoming more and more difficult for the Vestal School District to cut their way out of a budget crisis, that according to Superintendent Mark LaRoach.
 
Tonight the school board addressed the roughly two million dollar gap in this year's budget. 

The shortfall is due in large part to a more than 5% cut in state aid, in addition to possible cuts due to sequestration.

To cover the gap with a tax levy the budget would require a 6% hike, well above the maximum 3.45% required without a super majority.

"If you exceed your maximum allowable levy you have to have a super majority affirmation at the polls which is a big, big gamble," says LaRoach.  "Especially now that you don't have what used to be called the default or contingency budget.  You go back to what the previous years, or the current year tax levy in terms of an aggregate dollar amount represents.  Very dangerous."

Possible other solutions might come in the form of position cuts, some from retirement; reducing the athletic budget; and sharing services with other districts.

The next budget workshop will be March 19th.

Additional Information:
3-12-13.flv