Binghamton School District Faces Budget Gap

The Binghamton City School District has a multi-million dollar budget gap, and over 30 positions could soon be eliminated. School officials are looking to close a gap of nearly $5.3 million. Earlier this month, the school board set the maximum tax levy increase at 1.89 percent, which still needs to be approved by the taxpayers. If approved, over $730,000 would be brought into the district, and the remaining deficit will be filled by cuts to staff and programs. On Tuesday night, the school district outlined the plan to cut about 32 positions, which would likely generate $1.7 million in savings. The cuts would include 15 members of support staff and three custodial positions. Four modified sports teams are expected to be reduced and combined into two teams, intramural activities will be eliminated and charter bussing will be canceled. Music programs for elementary students will be reduced as well. Binghamton Schools have reduced their staff by 100 people in the past three years. The next public hearing on the budget will take place on May 7th, with the final budget vote on May 21st.