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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. Departments facing cuts in the Croton-Harmon School District's 2012-2012 budget are beginning to take shape, as New York States new tax levy cap forces the district to shed $1 million in expenses.
Theyve taken our local control away," said Diane Chaissan, director of finance and administration for the district. "Whereas, say enough community felt as if they wanted to support smaller class sizes the board could have said, Ok, well leave the two teachers at CET, instead of the tax levy increase of 1.5 percent, its going to increase 2 percent.
Current projections for cuts include two full-time teachers at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary and one full-time physical education teacher. In addition, one full-time social worker would be made part-time. The cuts would account for an estimated total savings of $446,515.
Modified sports programs will be eliminated, computers will not be replaced and the operations and maintenance budget will be cut, for an estimated savings of $276,444. Other cuts are in the areas of staff development and clerical work.
Every meeting that the superintendent goes to or I go to we hear how other districts are cutting, said Assistant Superintendent of Business Diane Chaissan. The district is hoping to save upwards of $880,000 with the proposed cuts.
Chaissan also said it's not entirely clear whether some of the cuts would have taken place without the tax cap. After the state began a "Gap Elimination Adjustment," the district has lost more than $1.6 million over the last two fiscal years and is poised to pay another $800,000 for the same provision this year, officials said. The Gap Elimination Adjustment reduces school district aid to close the state budget gap.
The budget is still fluid and board members are looking forward to a Feb. 7 community meeting, where voters will have a chance to discuss their feelings about current cuts.
Departments for which cuts have not yet been proposed, but havent been taken off the table, include the districts 70 student string music program, an assistant principal position and a music teacher.
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