SHERBURNE – A presentation of the Sherburne-Earlville Central Schools’ tentative 2012-2013 budget plan drew 71 district residents to the Middle/High School Auditorium Monday night, more than double the attendance at last year’s gathering.
The proposed spending plan, estimated at $29.76 million, represents an increase of 1.7 percent, or $497,544, over the present school year’s. It would call for a levy of $6.6 million, keeping just under the state mandated 2 percent cap, at 1.9 percent.
The decrease in state aid amounted to more than $1.37 million. Set aside reserves would be tapped for $600,000, which is less than the million dollars it took last year to meet expenses.
Should the budget be adopted by voters, the school district would eliminate two teachers, two teacher assistants, six support staff and one faculty who is retiring. The measure also freezes the superintendent and assistant superintendent’s salaries at current levels. Equipment and supplies were also cut.
There were 13 positions eliminated last year, including nine teachers and one administrator.
Instructional programming makes up $21 million in the budget, an increase of $400,000 over last year. Programming includes salaries and benefits for teachers, counselors, assistants, coaches and bus drivers as well as textbooks, instructional software, supplies and equipment, and transportation.
Capital spending has been higher over the last three years as the 2008 capital building project continues. That portion of the budget is up $19,000. Administration is up $73,772. (See sidebar.)
A handful of residents in the district questioned the plan, mostly inquiring about rumors of several more teachers having received letters that their jobs were in jeopardy. The district has been in negotiations with teachers, support staff, administration and central office staff since February. While contract periods may fluctuate from three to four years, all of the bargaining units contracts overlap this year.
Interim S-E Board of Education President Tom Morris said the board’s 2012-2013 proposed budget is only “a snapshot of today.”
“There’s a lot of anxiety, and we are very much aware of that. We are in labor negotiations, so really it is complicated right now. If there is an agreement with the unions, and the number of educators and their benefits cost increases, the level of employment has to come down to pay for that,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent Todd Griffin, who said he went through four different version of the budget with comptrollers and examiners from Albany, confirmed that the district could expect further staff cuts.
Former SECS Board of Education member John Brown of Sherburne asked what the board’s plans for applying reserves going forward. Griffin said the district would be unable to continue applying at the same rate after three more years.
There are about 100 fewer students this year than last year. Enrollment last week was 1,386 versus 1,750 students nine years ago. The budet reflects enrollment and class size, said Board Member Thomas Caton.
Two candidates are on the ballot for one open three-year term seat on the board: Chad Bohnert and Caton, who was apppointed to fill a vacany.
Residents may cast their votes in the foyers of the elementary school lobby or middle/high school auditorium from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15.


Budget Challenges for 2012-2013

Regular Health Insurance 6 percent $175,756
Retiree Health Insurance 6 percent $ 32,572
Employee’s Retirement System 18.9 percent $128,313
Teacher’s Retirement System 11.1 percent $137,160
Fuel Oil 9 percent $ 46,545
Diesel Fuel 11 percent $ 18,197
Gasoline 13 percent $ 3,356

Increase from above 7 items $541,889