BOE Watching Albany While Contemplating Cuts

With issues such as final state aid figures and the possibility of pension smoothing still to be decided in Albany, the West Islip Board of Education is reviewing a list of possible money saving options that would allow the school district to close a $1.99 million gap in the 2013-14 draft budget.

At the second budget work session, Bernadette Burns, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, outlined several potential program alternations and cuts that, if implemented, would allow the school district to close its budget gap. Included in this is moving to an eight period day from a nine period day at the middle school level, eliminate or reduce clubs and activities and reduce expenses associated with the BOCES Occupational Education program.

But before deciding on any possible cuts, board trustees are keeping close watch on Albany where state lawmakers continue to hammer out the state’s budget, which by law needs to be approved by April 1. There is a possibility that state lawmakers could put additional school aid in the state budget, but final figures will not be known for at least a couple weeks.

Also, the issue of pension smoothing is one that, if approved, would reduce the pension contribution West Islip would have to make by approximately $1.5 million. Officials were hopeful of having an answer to this by the next budget work session on March 20.

From a cost cutting standpoint, Burns floated the idea of moving to an eight period day at the school district’s two middle schools, which would save the district $700,000 annually.

If approved, the length of periods would expand from 40 minutes to 45 minutes, band and orchestra practice would be held before school, students with services would not have access to all elective programs and students with services would not have access to foreign language classes until eighth grade.

“Moving to an eight period day would add 15 hours of classroom instruction time each year,” Burns said.

Other possible cuts include:

• Eliminate or reduce clubs and activities: savings of $225,000

• Phasing out of the International Baccalaureate program: savings of $35,000

Burns also floated the idea of reducing or eliminating the alternative high school. While specifics on cost savings were not discussed at the meeting, board members asked her if it is feasible to attract students from outside West Islip to the program. Bringing in students from school districts where no alternative high school program is offered could provide a source of revenue through tuition payments.

Burns said she would look into the idea and report back to trustees.