The budget proposal for the 2013-2014 school year was released at the Board of Education meeting Monday, April 22. Many parents, teachers, and members of the community waited anxiously as the board took a quick executive break before the meeting began. When the board returned, the cuts for the upcoming school year were read.
The district budget for the 2013-2014 school year is $53,525,348, a 3.36% budget increase from last year and a 3.62% tax levy increase.
For many students, some will not have the same opportunities as this year; not being on their favorite sports team or losing a club advisor. The following programs are in the budget proposal for the 2013-2014 to be cut:
Athletics:
HS- Bowling Program
HS – JV Boys Volleyball
HS – JV Cheerleading
Clubs:
ES – Jason Project
MS – Homework Club
MS – Writers and Poets Club
HS – Newsletter Typesetter
Transportation:
MS/HS – 4:30 pm bus transportation
Instructional:
ES – Grade 3 Position
ES – Grade 5 Position
MS – Skills for Adolescence Program
HS – American Sign Language Program
HS – Reduced Latin Program – .6 program – students currently enrolled will be able to finish out the sequence
HS – 40% Business Program Cut – resulting in larger class sizes in courses
HS – Art Teacher Position
“It is hard to swallow,” said board member Gordon Werner, recalling the budget proposal at the closure of the meeting. He continued on to say, “If the budget fails, the floodgates will break.” Board member James Hulme agreed with Werner, stressing that it will be a “disaster if the budget doesn’t pass.”
The budget proposal was concluded with Mr. Werner making clear that the “2% cap will come back and haunt us next year.” It is a very scary time for many teachers, students, and community members in Westhampton, and we must all come together and make the right choice for our district.
The official budget vote is on May 21st. Please encourage everyone to come out. Every vote counts.
