Schools get brief reprieve on aid cuts

The delaying of Gov. David A. Paterson's proposed budget cuts means school aid cuts will be put off at least until January, when the Legislature returns to session.

School officials say that while the cuts are still a cause for concern, it will give them more time to plan.

The cuts would trim about $5.5 million in aid to Jefferson County schools, about $1.5 million to Lewis County schools and about $5.5 million to St. Lawrence County schools.

"The cuts that are proposed are being delayed," Indian River Superintendent James Kettrick said. "It doesn't mean the end to the possibility that the cuts will go through. We'll have to wait and see."

Mr. Kettrick said that even though postponing the cuts until at least January is helpful in planning, it also gives the schools less money, because they are further into the fiscal year, to draw from if the cuts go through.

"We have to continue paying bills all along, which gives us less if they cut at a later point," he said. "We feel that given the figures, we can manage the cuts this year through our budget as we have it."

Watertown Superintendent Terry N. Fralick said that while the delay gives officials more time to prepare, the "issues aren't going to change."

He said that while midyear cuts are a concern, it will "be critical to see what the governor proposes in the 2009-10 budget."

"I think everybody recognizes that we need to make reductions, but it's not a simple matter of doing this in weeks; we need some time to access our priorities," he said. "They're talking about a midyear state aid reduction, but at the same time we need more information about what is going to be in the 2009-10 school year. At this time I don't anticipate us making any changes. We're just going to wait and see what happens in January."

Many superintendents are concerned about the long-term ramifications this could have.

"This is still of great concern because it positions us poorly for future years," Mr. Kettrick said.

Mr. Fralick said the crisis could affect schools "up to three to five years from now."

Frederick E. Hall, superintendent of Sackets Harbor Central School District, said that he's talked to department heads, teachers and staff members about cutting back in their operating costs. He said many of the lights throughout the school have been cut back to half-power and the school has stopped mailing many things, like the district newsletter, to cut back on postage costs.

"This delay will allow us to make a more meaningful decision as far as where we cut back, but we know we're going to have to do something. Everyone's aware of the financial crisis we're facing," Mr. Halls said. "Hopefully now we'll be able to secure some funds that we can use when we get a flatline or decrease in aid next year. We realize that this is not just for now; this is something that will be a long-term problem and that will affect our programs and the future of our kids."

Mr. Paterson will present the 2009-10 budget, which could contain even steeper cuts, to the Legislature on Dec. 16.