By MIKE RUSSO
Baldwin school district officials are mulling their options, with just over $1.48 million in state funding due to be cut from the district budget.
"The deficit reduction plan I have put forward today represents a series of difficult choices across virtually every area of state spending," Paterson said in a Nov. 12 press release. "The only way we are going to overcome this unprecedented crisis is through shared sacrifice. I look forward to engaging in a productive dialogue with the Legislature about the actions we must take at [Tuesday's] special session to address our state's record budget deficits."
In May, Baldwin residents passed a school budget for 2008-09 that totaled $110.8 million. District officials were optimistic about the spending plan, having limited the tax levy increase to just 2.17 percent. That accomplishment was attributable in large part to $26.7 million in state aid the school was set to receive. Now, the district may face difficult choices because of the reduction in aid: cutting programs, raising taxes or tapping into reserve funds.
Baldwin's superintendent, Dr. James Mapes, was a school superintendent in Michigan in the early 1990s, when many states were suffering from a fiscal crisis similar to this year's. Mapes recalled that the state opted to stretch its fiscal year from four quarters to five rather than cut state aid to schools, but his district, like many others, suffered just the same, forced to make deep cuts in many programs. Mapes said that while it is too soon to know what will need to be done in Baldwin, the district is committed to preparing for rough times ahead.
"Although the Baldwin Board of Education always keeps a close watch on district revenue and expenses, closer scrutiny will be even more important over the next few years," Mapes said. "The state is facing critical revenue shortfalls, and school districts could be affected by the state's financial difficulties beginning in this fiscal year. The board will begin the budgeting process early this year so they and the community are adequately prepared for any surprises."
School board Vice President B.A. Schoen recalled the 1990-91 school year, when many school districts found themselves in a similar situation, with state funding cut in midyear. "When the state did this in 1991, it was a disaster," said Schoen. "If you recall, it took almost eight years for some school districts to get back on track."
State legislators, who were set to meet in a special session on Tuesday, face the challenge of trying to close the budget deficit without drastic cuts in state aid to local school districts.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) issued a statement Nov. 12 in which he agreed with Paterson that the budget deficit needs to be reduced by cutting spending. "We must avoid any job-killing taxes and fee increases, which the governor is proposing," said Skelos. "We must not simply pass costs down to school districts and local governments and force them to raise taxes. The bottom line is we need a commitment from all of the parties to cut spending and to not raise taxes, and we stand ready to join our colleagues in government to address the state's fiscal challenges."
Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. (R-Massapequa) said that he understands the difficult financial times facing New York state, but he believes that midyear cuts in state aid to local school districts would be devastating. "These proposed cuts would be extremely harmful to both the students and taxpayers in the communities I represent, and therefore I cannot support them," Fuschillo said.
Assemblyman Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook), said that more needs to be done to generate revenue, and mentioned a pending revitalization project at Belmont Park and the Lighthouse Project at Nassau Coliseum to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Barra said he strongly opposed the governor's proposed cuts to schools.
"We cannot and should not go back on the promises we made to the school districts," said Barra. "We should not change the rules after the game has started by saying that the aid we promised will not be delivered to our districts. I don't think this is the way government should be run."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
