The CSD is facing a $1.2 million deficit for the  2018-2019 school year and the district office and CEA are exploring how to handle the situation.

Superintendent Paul Coakley explained the situation in an email sent in late April.  

The email outlined the deficit and listed four options for balancing the budget:  “With the cooperation of our labor associations, we will be working towards solutions that will assist the district in making some of these reductions.  Current options include:

• the potential of up to 4 furlough days,
• personnel cuts,
• non-personnel cuts such as curriculum materials or building maintenance,
• or a combination of the above options”

“We knew that there was going to be a budget cut. Typically, the state provides most of our fundings in the course of two years,” said Gregory Lecuyer, the district’s director of business and operations.

“I think whenever we have budget cuts it’s devastating because we know it’s gonna have an impact on teachers, students and the community. These are difficult decisions that need to be made no matter what,” said CEA President Avery Fish.

“We’re working with administrators and will be developing a list of priorities,“ said Lecuyer.

“That’s what we’re estimating currently,” said Lecuyer about the $1.2 million. The final amount will be available in July.  

“We knew that there was going to be a budget cut. The state provides most of our fundings in the course of two years,” said Lecuyer.  

The way the state is allotting money this year is different than normal and could indicate even more problems for next year.

“We knew it was coming, so we’re not surprised,” said Lecuyer.

“I think whenever we have budget cuts, it’s devastating because we know it’s going to have an impact on teachers, students and the community. These are difficult decisions that need to be made no matter what,” said Fish.

While Coakley’s email listed several possible solutions to the problem, nothing is set, yet.  Lecuyer said it will be a collaborative process with administrators and employees.  Both sides are currently developing a list of priorities.

“We’ll have a list of ideas that will equate to 1.2 million and cut accordingly,” said Lecuyer.