Despite years of paring down costs and looking for every way possible to reduce spending while maintaining quality programming, Governor Cuomo has called for districts to find greater “efficiencies” for the 2015-16 school year and beyond.
In response to that mandate, the district has established a committee of teachers, administrators, parents and other community stake holders to study the district spending and make recommendations.
The STA is represented on this committee by the five building vice-presidents (Christine Ricther-Seidenberg-HS, Anna Martin- MS, Mary Beth Dietrele – Sunrise Drive, Melinda Moran - Lincoln Ave and Kate Enea – Cherry Ave) joined by STA Grievance Coordinator Kathy Scully.
The STA Representatives on the committee have expressed frustration with the process and report that many of the concerns of the teacher members on the committee are shared by the other members of the committee. One of the concerns of the committee members is the limitation to reviewing instructional programming only.
STA President Tim Southerton outlined the STA position, “We believe that the instructional programs have already come under sharp review and are functioning at a very high level of efficiency. We believe that if there are to be any cuts, and we are not convinced that cuts are needed, they should be done as far as possible from impacting the students.”
The STA representatives on this committee will continue to communicate the STA position to their fellow committee members at future meetings.