NORTH SYRACUSE -- It's the same process that many school districts across Central New York are dealing with as we near Spring -- tackling budget problems.
In North Syracuse -- Superintendent Dr. Jerry Melvin said the budget gap is around $12 million because of cuts from the state and increased costs across the board. He said once you start talking about multi-million dollar gaps -- the number almost becomes irrelevant because it's obvious cuts will be painful. Monday night, department heads presented their proposed budget to the school board. Melvin said he was impressed with what he saw because many departments took a conservative and responsible approach to their budgets.
"They (department heads) understand the problems, and have stepped up to the challenge and that's all we can ask of them," Melvin said.
Melvin said this is just part of the budget process. A final budget isn't due until April 11th, and more department heads will present their budgets at a similar meeting next Monday. Melvin said hundreds of district jobs are on the line in what's been one of the most difficult budget processes he's seen as superintendent.
