OSWEGO -- In a meeting that had neighbors lining the hallways, Oswego schools superintendent Bill Crist outlined next year's budget. And like so many others, the news is grim.
The district faces a $5.5 million budget gap. To fill it, Crist wants to cut almost 60 positions, including 37 teachers. "You could take some position that's got a very high salary, and cut that and that will save five other people's jobs," says parent Kelly Griffin.
But the big draw for neighbors is Frederick Leighton Elementary School. Crist wants to shutter the building to save almost $4 million. The district's administration offices would then be moved from its current location on East 1st Street into the Leighton building. The former district headquarters would be put up for sale. The move would spread more than 400 students at Leighton to four other elementary schools in the district.
"They're not saving money on building operations and maintenance by keeping all five buildings open. We're just shifting students around at the comfort of the administration," says parent Melissa Humm.
But Crist says, "It's a school that's in a campus setting with the high school and in one sense that makes the decision easier to alleviate the congestion."
The budget will move through the ranks quickly. The board votes on it in April, it then goes to residents in May.
