Even after a New York state budget was completed on time - with some aid returned, many area schools are facing tough financial times.
Staffing cuts are being planned for Cassadaga Valley, Silver Creek, Fredonia, Dunkirk, Gowanda and possibly Brocton. While the cuts may be through retirements, there are a good chance others will come through layoffs.
Those layoffs are a worst-case scenario. Nobody wins with layoffs.
Fortunately, members of the Fredonia Teachers Association and the school's administration realize this. It is part of the reason some teachers have had their pay frozen as well as those of the administrators.
Many in the community applaud the effort - and would much rather see pay freezes than cutting staff, but due to contractual obligations - and often few concessions from the union - eliminations must be made.
Other districts around the state have not been as stubborn. Some of the givebacks - to preserve programs and staffing - have included:
We applaud these districts as well as the staff at Fredonia Central Schools for making tough decisions - and sacrifices. We know there is a need for other districts to do the same.
Stay tuned.
