Schenectady faces a 7.5 percent school tax hike Spending plan for 2010-11 calls for cuts to some programs; 50 jobs lost
By CAROL DeMARE, Staff writer First published in print: Thursday, April 1, 2010 SCHENECTADY -- Superintendent Eric Ely presented a $161.4 million school budget for 2010-11 Wednesday night which calls for nearly 50 cuts in the district's staff and a 7.5 percent tax hike, both of which did not sit well with the board of education.
The budget will now be examined line-by-line by board members, and Ely to see what changes he can make to adjust the tax increase and possibly save some positions and programs.
The current spending plan is $160.6 million. If all programs were to be carried forward with no cuts, it would bring the package to $166.7 million and a significantly higher tax rate.
"It's a grim picture, but it's where we start," Ely said. Most of the 50 positions, especially about 11 teacher jobs would be eliminated through attrition, not layoffs, he emphasized. The district employs about 700.
The recommended spending package is $698,143 above the 0 percent contingency cap.
Board Vice President Diane Herrmann was the first of several board members who sounded off on the proposed tax increase. "The community can't support a 7.5 tax increase," she said.
"Save some positions and programs" but not save the oppressed taxpayer? Talk about the wrong priorities.
These "administrators" cannot be thrown out quickly enough. Dianne Herman is right but she has been far too passive. Start slashing bloated administration and unnecessary busing.
We here this same old bullsh!t every year around budget time. NONE of these school districts have the guts to make the 'hard choices'. The school taxes will increase, no one will lose their job and all programs will remain. They use the old 'fear tactic' and they play the 'sympathy card', hence.....higher taxes! It's just the way it goes!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Logged
"Save some positions and programs" but not save the oppressed taxpayer? Talk about the wrong priorities. 
