Sensible Spending -State: December 2008 Archives

Declining enrollment and hard times call for recommended action.

By HARRISON HAAS
hhaas@citizen.com

The Citizen Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Gilford School Board is backing a $23.3 million budget for next year, 0.66 percent below the district's current operating budget. Concern from the elementary school staff was directed to the board with the possible elimination of two positions that would decrease the payroll and health care section of the budget.

The bottom line of the budget, which now goes to the Budget Committee for review, is $23,316,817.

"We are aware of the financial status right now," said Carol Young-Podmore, a teacher in the elementary school. "We believe that one more year with an assistant principal would be beneficial."

The Board is seeking to cut out the Assistant Principal position along with a guidance position at the elementary school. Currently the two elementary guidance teachers serve 80 students, which is a 1:5 ratio of students receiving service.

According to statistics, Superintendent Dr. Paul DeMinico claimed that a group of 200 students requires the need of one guidance counselor…..

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