Looking at a massive state aid cuts, Pine Bush Central School District Superintendent Philip Steinberg painted a grim picture of the district’s 2010-11 budget outlook during a Jan. 26 school board meeting.

“We’re looking at cuts of as much as $5.6 million, projected as of today,” he said.

In order to bridge that gap, the superintendent explained that there would need to be a tax increase of approximately 18 percent. But since he believes an increase of that size is out of the question, Steinberg suggested that the district would instead strive for a “static” budget; one with zero percent growth; while keeping any tax increase to 2.99 percent or less.

“Taxpayers are burdened enough as it is,” he said, justifying the cuts as well as the likely use of millions from the district’s fund balance. “We’ve spent the last two weeks trying to balance this and in the end it’s about choices.”

As school officials have explained in the past, the main question throughout the budget-building process has been: How can we maintain the high quality education for an affordable price in the seven towns and three counties that comprise the Pine Bush School District? According to Steinberg, the best way to achieve that goal is to examine each budget line item for potential reductions and review staffing, class sizes, programs, capital expenditures and administrative costs.

“Everything must be scrutinized and we must make decisions that are right for our school district and for our children in these economic times,” he said.

And so, in addition to employee layoffs, a large portion of the district’s extra-curricular activities are expected to be cut, including Odyssey of the Mind, Mock Trial, Math Team, Dance Club, Jazz Band, Newspaper and Year Book. All modified and junior varsity sports teams will also be cut, with only varsity teams expected to be included in next year’s budget.
“This hurts,” Steinberg said. “I’m a sports person. To me, athletics is very important.”

The superintendent explained that he has been in contact with legislators in Albany for weeks but he keeps being told the same thing — the state has no money.

“The governor has destroyed public education as we know it,” Steinberg said, urging those in attendance to contact their local legislators and let them know how they feel.

The first in a series of Community Budget Forums hosted by the Pine Bush Central School District will take place  at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 in the Pakanasink Elementary School cafeteria. School board members are urging the public to come give their input on the 2010-2011 budget.

By JESSICA McALEESE
jmcaleese@tcnewspapers.com