Glens Falls school district could cut 31 jobs to balance budget

The city school district could eliminate 31 positions from the 2011-12 budget.

Of the potential reductions, 12 are teachers in English, math, social studies, foreign language, business, technology, physical education and elementary school. The others include clerks, teacher aides and the principal of Sanford Street Elementary School, which will close this summer.

Of the 31 reductions, 13 would come through layoffs. The salary cuts would save $818,631. But eliminating positions also lowers the cost for benefits and pensions, bringing the total savings to $1 million.

The cuts would bring the district’s total cost for salaries to $18.5 million. Salaries and benefits account for 71 percent of the budget, which is at about $39 million.

The district has a budget gap of nearly $1.3 million and the school board wants to raise the tax levy no higher than 2 percent.

The proposed cuts would require bigger class sizes and fewer offerings of certain courses.

The cost of health benefits also drew attention at the meeting. Some audience members suggested health premiums could be negotiated with insurance companies at a lower cost without reducing the quality of the service.

One man in the audience was stunned to learn the district is paying $15,000 for the health benefits of an elementary school principal. Employees contribute 15 to 25 percent toward their benefits.

“You wonder why New York state is a disaster. That is one reason,” the man said.

The committee, which consists of the whole school board, has met on each Tuesday in March to review a different part of the budget. The final meeting is Tuesday, when officials review a draft of the budget and revenue.

The board plans to adopt the budget on April 11.

From: Post Star