Published: March 26, 2008 09:58 pm            

FALLS SCHOOLS: No budget cuts for first time since 1986

Increase in state aid leads to decrease in program cuts

For the first time in 22 years, it’s looking like the Niagara Falls School District won’t be forced to cut any jobs or programs in order to keep residents’ tax burden the same.

The school board accepted Wednesday the superintendent’s recommended 2008-09 budget of $127.5 million with a tax levy of about $25 million — the same tax levy the district has held for 16 years.

The budget represents a $6.3 million increase over this year’s with the largest increases coming from rising costs for health insurance and the retirement program.

Additional state aid of about $6.4 million will cover increases, leaving the district in the unique position to rollover staffing and programs with extra funds remaining. About $3.5 million is unallocated fund balance and contingency funds.

“If we exercise some fiscal discipline and limit our spending, we can put away $3.5 million,” Superintendent Carmen Granto told the board.

Gov. David Paterson and the state Legislature have expressed support for upholding former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s proposed education aid plan, but the Senate has yet to make its budget proposal.

Though state aid — which would account for 75 percent of the district’s revenue, if upheld — is providing a huge boost, the closings of 60th Street and 66th Street elementary schools last year and reconfiguration of other schools has played a role in cutting costs, board president Robert Kazeangin said.

“Last year, we downsized our staff ... and consolidated schools — that put us in a good position this year,” he said.

The board can make changes to the line allocations of the proposed budget before approving it on April 23, but Kazeangin said it’s doubtful the board will make any major changes.

“The superintendent keeps us involved in the (budget) process,” Kazeangin said. “He gets a feel as to what the board wants and we all come to a consensus. He usually proposes a budget that’s right on target.”

The approved budget will go before a public vote on May 20.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.