Districts across the state are facing huge budget shortfalls for the fourth year in a row, which means big cuts that will affect students. Even with just over a two percent increase in aid this year, Onondaga Central is still looking at a nearly a $1 million budget shortfall. As our Katie Gibas reports, this isn't an uncommon story among low wealth, high need districts, which are looking at drastic cost-cutting measures.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- After several years of dwindling money for schools, even the governor's proposed increase in state aid won't make much of a difference to many of the low wealth, high need districts in Upstate New York.

"We're getting to a point now where we're reduced staff to such levels that we're taking away the high school programs, the continuing education, college prep programs. Athletic budgets are being cut back to the bone," said Joseph Rotella, the Onondaga Central School District Superintendent.

Charles Borgognoni, the CNY School Boards Association Executive Director, added, "That's a system that isn't sustainable and we're getting to the point now where you're not going to be able to deal with the budget situation you have with those means. "

Now, with no fat left to cut, many districts are looking at closing and consolidating schools to save money.

"Schools have always been the cornerstone of communities. There's a genuine attachment to our schools. So any decision like this is not only tough, but it's something that has to be thought through very carefully. Our boards of education and our superintendents and administrators don't make these decisions lightly," said Borgognoni.

A study Onondaga Central commissioned on ways to save the district money recommended closing Rockwell Elementary, which is at less than half capacity. The students would then go to Wheeler which would become a K-4 school. The proposal could save the district about $712,000.

"It's important to look at all areas and come up with a balanced approach in order to close the deficit. And that's why we're looking the buildings. That's why we're looking at transportation. We're looking at staffing. We're looking across the board everywhere, but that's a large hole for a small district to fill," said Rotella.

While nothing is set in stone for this budget year, closing schools are becoming a more serious consideration than ever before.

Other districts across the region, including Auburn, have already voted to close elementary schools as a way to save money.

A consolidation proposal is also on the table for Baldwinsville.