South Jefferson district looks at $2.5 million in budget cuts

ADAMS CENTER — The South Jefferson Central School District's draft budget for the 2010-11 school year is facing a shortfall of more than $2.5 million.

Superintendent Jamie A. Moesel and Business Administrator Joseph J. Eberle on Monday presented the Board of Education a tentative plan of how the district will be able to cut $2.5 million from the budget.

"We know what the district's expenses are," Mrs. Moesel said. "Some expenses are going up, and there has obviously been a huge reduction in state aid. We don't know what the revenue will be yet."

Mrs. Moesel said before any positions or programs are cut, the board will look closely at the district's priorities, but at this point, cuts are unavoidable.The district had an unanticipated state aid reduction of more than $1.6 million, money on which the district relies heavily, she said.

"It's a sad process for us," she said.

Mr. Eberle said the board may have to look at a high tax levy increase due to the state's problems.

"We are aware of the instability of New York state," he said. "I chuckle at that because it is an understatement now. We are talking about a range in levy that's up there."

No specific number for the levy was mentioned at the meeting.

"There probably will not be a lot of change with the budget because of the huge deficit," Mrs. Moesel said.

Summer programs such as Regents testing, Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services regional summer school participation and summer driving education courses are just some programs the district may cut. The board also will look at eliminating a half-time home and careers position, two kindergarten support positions and a special education position.

Mrs. Moesel said the board likely will wait until the last minute to pass a budget.

"Depending on how it goes with the state adoption of its budget, we might want to hold off as long as we can," she said.

The public vote on the proposed budget will be May 18.