Needing to make $9 million in spending reductions for the 2013-14 school year budget, the Half Hollow Hills Board of Education has made some initial cuts, but much of the heavy lifting remains.
According to a report in Newsday, the board of education at a budget workshop last week decided to keep open the school district’s planetarium and natatorium.
So far, the BOE has found $100,000 in savings by eliminating some assistant sports coaches and has changed the basketball clock-timing job from a paid position to a volunteer position.
Other cuts include:
• not replacing two clerical staff positions (retirements) for a savings of $139,000
• staff reductions to the elementary enrichment program and the Academically High Aptitude Program for a savings of about $400,000
Last week the BOE announced that it would not close any schools in the district. In January, the possibility of closing at least one of three schools was floated by administrators as a possible solution to closing the district’s budget gap.
The next budget meeting is set for March 4 at 5 p.m.
