A preliminary budget for Webster Central Schools reveals a cut in athletics, staff layoffs and a nearly 4 percent tax levy increase.
The $139.7 million budget, presented at a March 25 board of education meeting, is a 1.1 percent increase from the 2009-10 budget. Superintendant Adele Bovard explained the budget process was especially difficult this year, with a $4 million state aid decrease, caused by Gov. David Paterson's deficit reduction plan.
"This is a comprehensive, 'needs-based' budget," she said. "This is a time where we have extraordinary financial situations. The decisions we make are not made lightly or without heart."
Significant staffing changes were made, removing 18 full-time equivalent positions between the district's 11 schools.
"For the first time in many years, we are reducing our workforce," she said.
Staff members that would be losing their jobs were notified within the past week.
Additional reductions include the removal of the gymnastics program -- both modified and varsity levels. Bovard says the elimination was due to low participation numbers and increased equipment necessities, due to changing regulations.
Jenny Grassi, a senior on Webster's gymnastics team, says the decision to cut the program should be reconsidered by the board. Her mother and sister both spoke to the board Thursday night.
"I know the girls would be willing to do whatever they can to keep the team," she said.
For more information on proposed budget items, and the affect it will have on taxpayers, read the April 2 edition of the Webster Post.
