Budget votes are being held in school districts across Central New York today. It's been a painful process for most districts in preparing the budget for the 2010-2011 school year.
Districts are expecting big cuts in state aid, but really aren’t sure just how much money they will receive, because the leadership of the New York State Assembly, Senate and Governor Paterson can’t agree on a budget. That budget was due April 1st.
Most districts have taken steps to cope with the still uncertain state aid cuts by cutting spending, dipping into reserve funds, and raising taxes. The cuts often mean the elimination of teaching and support positions, many through attrition, and others through layoffs.
In Onondaga County, more than 420 positions - mostly teaching - have been eliminated in budgets on the ballot in suburban school districts. The biggest cuts are in the two biggest districts in the county, Liverpool and North Syracuse.
Taxes are also on the increase, though most districts with an eye on tight family finances and high unemployment have kept the tax hikes to below three percent.
Voting times vary by district, but all polls will be closed by 9:00 p.m., and CNY Central will have the results on NBC3, CW6, and CBS5 news tonight as well as CNYcentral.com.
What happens if your district's budget is defeated? We have the answer here.
Liverpool was one of the hardest hit districts, with 130 positions cut and an elementary school closing. Here is that story.
