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Elmira School Budget Update

Updated Thursday, March 14, 2013

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Last week the board announced an initial budget gap of $4.7 million. Tonight that number dropped but by how much?

March 14, 2013
Elmira (WENY) - Last week the board announced an initial budget gap of $4.7 million. Tonight that number dropped but by how much? The board looked at cuts that would save the district just short of $3 million, and believe it or not people and programs are basically intact.
      The new budget deficit is $1.7 million, a number much more manageable for board members. That's assuming that voters agree to a proposed 4.67 percent tax levy increase. Some of the biggest Non-programming savings from finance committee was to save $100,000 if they closed the pool at EFA, and $800,000 saved if they restructure custodial staff's schedules. The board also looked at limiting and eliminating modified sports.
     Interim Deputy Superintendent Hillary Austin says cutting nearly $3 million before looking at people or programs was a win for the district.
      “There are difficult decisions that need to be made and just making sure that we're keeping people in mind, and recognizing that we're affecting peoples lives and at the same time doing what needs to be done in the district to reach the goals.”
     The board will meeting again march 19th for another budget work shop. They are expected to vote to approve a final budget April 10th, before it goes to a public vote on May 21st.