District Weighs Programs, Expands Proposed Cuts as Budget Development Continues

A crowd of parents, students and educators packed the meeting room and spilled out into the hallway Tuesday night as the Three Village Central School District Board of Education discussed a list of possible cuts that would equal a savings of more than $9 million if the district went to a contingency plan.

According to the board's two-tiered system, which prioritizes reductions in programs, cuts categorized as level one would amount to a savings of $4,535,300 as of Tuesday. Level two cuts increased the potential savings to $5,160,300, and the contingency cuts would bring the total to $9,044,080.

The contingency plan would be enacted if the budget fails.

Jeff Carlson, assistant superintendent for business services, said at last week's meeting that the district faces a $7 million gap between expected revenues and expenditures. The contingency cuts presented Tuesday show an increase of $2,226,000 in possible savings over that of last week's list of budget reduction considerations.

Superintendent Neil Lederer refrained from giving any details about concessions talks with teachers' union leaders, but he expressed optimism.

"They've been terrific; been very open and receptive," he said. He added that in many instances it has been the union leadership that has approached him with ideas.

Lederer reiterated that the cuts are aimed at reducing rather than eliminating programs, with a tentative trimming of funding seen at all levels throughout the district.

A further reduction of security posts increased savings from $100,000 last week to $425,000, according to this week's list, which is posted on the district's Web site and was handed out to the meeting's audience. Cuts in monitor positions produced an additional $140,000 in savings.

Cuts in administrative positions, which were listed as "to be discussed further" last week, tallied $300,000.  The impact would mean "consolidation and reorganization" of administrative services, according to the district's Web site.

A cut to second grade health education was bumped from level one to two. Trustee Jonathan Kornreich noted the importance of the program to young students, saying that he had never appreciated its impact until these discussions brought it into question. 

The district's athletic trainer was another point of discussion.

"I question an $80,000 athletic trainer under level one programs," Kornreich said. He expressed concern over what the lost position would mean for the safety of student athletes.

Erin Blaney, executive director of health, physical education, recreation and athletics, said the athletic trainer is essential for the prevention of injuries and immediate care for more severe injuries such as concussions, which she estimated as having been 25 to 30 in number since school started in September.

"Do you need a full-time? Can we get a part-time? Outsource?" said board president John Diviney.

Kornreich noted similar proposed cuts to nursing and psychological services staff. 

The board also debated the Pi and IG (intellectually gifted) programs, but did not conclude that cutting either would necessarily mean any savings at all.

Trustee Diane Peritore questioned the proposed $64,000 cut to student government funding, which would leave the group as an after-school club.

The 2011 budget vote is set for Tuesday, May 17. The board is expected to adopt its formal budget in April.