Thousand Islands Central School district removed 18 posts

The Thousand Islands Central School District has proposed cutting 18 teaching positions and eight non-instructional jobs, among other items, from its 2011-12 budget, in order to cope with state aid cuts.

“Last year, we said we were cutting down to the bone. This year, we’re cutting even deeper,” Superintendent Joseph A. Menard said at a school board meeting Tuesday night.

Even if the Board of Education adopts the proposed cuts, worth $1,134,968 altogether, and a 5 percent tax levy increase, Thousand Islands Central still is left with a $140,000 budget deficit, Mr. Menard said.

The cuts in teaching staff include administrative positions as well, he said.

District board members declined to elaborate on which positions would be affected by the proposed layoffs. They said teachers hadn’t yet been notified that their positions might be eliminated, and they want to take that step first.

From: Water Town Dailytimes