For the last few weeks, we’ve devoted a lot of space in the
paper to the dire news coming out of Cooperstown Central
School regarding their projected budget for next year.
With state aid decreasing, teachers and programs may be
eliminated next year to make up the shortfall.
CCS’s proposed 2010-11 budget shows a reduction in five
teaching positions, elimination of junior varsity football,
baseball and field hockey, two modified basketball coaches,
an assistant modified wresting coach, the volleyball scorekeeper,
summer drivers’ education and a handful of aides
and other district staff positions. With the proposed cuts
and a few modifications since the last work session, district
residents can still expect a 7.2 percent increase in their
taxes. Without the cuts, the tax levy would go up about 13
to 14 percent, according to board members.
We agree with many residents who showed up at a
recent school board meeting imploring the school to keep
the summer drivers’ education program, which is important
both for its educational and safety aspects.
Obviously, no one wants to see anyone lose their job, or
programs cut, but residents don’t want to face a tax levy
increase of up to 14 percent without the cuts, especially in
this economic climate.
So what can be done? One letter writer to this paper
suggested residents can start making donations to the
school to help defray costs. A nice idea, but somehow we
doubt it will happen. Some schools around the country are
asking parents to chip in for the cost of athletic programs,
whether it’s for gas to drive to away games or money for
new uniforms.
We think it’s unlikely that parents will like either of those
ideas, so maybe it’s time for the school to be a little more
creative in raising money.
One option is putting advertising on buses. Several states
around the country have started this practice and to us it
seems like it’s at least worth exploring. Some schools even
have paid banners from sponsors in the gymnasium during
games.
Maybe school officials can get together in the near future
and brainstorm.
It’s time to stop lamenting the loss of aid and start being
proactive on innovative ways to raise money.
