Despite a budget approaching $1 billion, Buffalo schools are facing a deficit. Officials announced a $10 million shortfall at Wednesday night's school board meeting.
That estimate might increase as more details become available. The final numbers will be ready for a May 13 budget vote.
CFO Barbara Smith says costs continue to rise faster than increases in state school aid, despite falling pension costs and an estimated 100 retirements. Smith says Buffalo has costs other districts don't have, like the billion-dollar reconstruction program.
"Yes, we receive building aid for that on the other side. You see the building aid on the revenues and debt service on the expense side. But, a lot of times I think people forget when they say: Why does your budget continue to grow?" Smith said.
"They kind of forget these big chunks that are there that other districts don't have because they haven't gone through a $1.4 billion reconstruction program."
Interim Superintendent Donald Ogilvie says the budget pushes more spending into the classroom, for smaller classes and continuing instrumental music.
The board had a quiet meeting until an angry fight developed over a series of meetings being held by the minority bloc over how to find a new superintendent, including one tonight in Makowski School.
