The Buffalo Public School District has a new school budget with more spending and staff cuts as individual schools get a say on spending in their buildings.
Again this year, the school system is squeezed between rising costs and steady state aid. The new system of school-based management makes principals more accountable because they have a great deal of say in staffing, choosing between reading teachers and music teachers. That's even though the initial results will look bad with state tests taken this spring expected to show up to a 30-percent drop statewide when released next year because the tests have been changed.
City school district CFO Barbara Smith says the system is kicking the can down the road.
"We have not made severe cuts to programs. When we look at other districts and what is happening in those districts and that they are forced to make those harder decisions and deeper cuts, we have yet to do that. With that, of course, I have to remind you that we are using $31 million of fund balance...certainly a cautionary note. That means that we are only delaying the cuts to future years," said Smith.
Board members are upset with Albany for forcing costs on schools while not providing more money. The base budget of $797 million is up about $15 million while 30 jobs will go.
The district will spend more, around $31 million for meals programs and at least $33 million federal dollars for programs for low-income students.
