The recently
passed state budget has given an additional $11.3 million to the Buffalo Public
School District’s operating budget, but the district may still be forced to
consider cutting music and athletic programs at schools across the city.
School districts all over the state
have had their budgets cut by the state multiple times in recent years, even as
employee salaries and benefits have continued to increase. The additional aid
this year is appreciated, said Barb Smith, chief financial officer of
the Buffalo Public School District, but much more will need to be done to help
struggling districts.
“It doesn’t fix the structural
deficit problems that we had,” Smith said.
The Buffalo Public School District
is currently working to reduce an estimated $42 million deficit.
“It’s a very tight balance every
year, this year more than ever,” Smith said.
Popular programs may be on the
chopping block as part of the effort to control the deficit. The district’s
budget office is trying to avoiding cutting music or athletic programs, but
there are no guarantees, Smith said. Many costs are mandated by state or union
contracts, which leave the district with limited options when it’s time to
decide where to cut.
The main focus is making sure students’ core educational
experience does not suffer.
“Our entire objective is to not
impact the classroom,” Smith said.
By Michael Canfield and Jacob Tierney
