WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-How N.Y. cuts could impact North Country schools

How N.Y. cuts could impact North Country schools

Plattsburgh, New York - December 18, 2009

In an unprecedented move, Governor David Paterson, D-New York, announced Sunday he will delay 10 percent of the December aid payments to all schools. Also included in the cuts-- a 19 percent reduction in STAR payments, which are the payments given to schools through the state's tax relief program.

"We don't want to overreact at this point," said James Short, the superintendent of Plattsburgh city schools. "I think it's poor management to our part as a school district to take everybody through that emotional roller coaster."

In Plattsburgh the delays mean a loss of almost $500,000. And there's a fear this is just the beginning. The district is caught up in a game of wait and see-- hoping the delays won't become permanent cuts.

"And it will probably be more of an effect next year," Short said. "That's where we'll pick up and start reacting."

Just down the road in Peru, N.Y., the district is taking action, implementing a spending freeze on most all expenditures.

"The larger the district, the larger the impact," Peru Central School District Superintendent Paul Scott said.

The Peru Central School District is the largest in the North Country. That district is looking at upwards of $600,000 in delayed revenue. Like Plattsburgh, administrators will use reserve funds as a short-term fix until the long-term future of school funding is made clearer.

"Some districts are borrowing money," Scott said. "At the current time we are able to make payroll and pay bills."

Both superintendents think the issue will likely end up in court. But both admit the future of school funding in the state looks bleak and say many districts will be forced to make major changes if funding is cut.

"We have to live within in our means," Scott said. "We can't live on a champagne taste with a beer budget. We can't live on a high end taste without the means and funds to support it."

But for now school districts wait-- with the future of school funding uncertain.

Keagan Harsha - WCAX News