Potential job restoration for Elmira schools
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ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira City School District superintendent says if the public accepts the increased tax levy, some previously cut jobs could be restored to the district's budget.
Two weeks ago, the school board approved a five-percent tax levy increase in the upcoming budget, which needs a super majority vote by the public to pass.
The superintendent says the extra money could save 15 positions, including six gym, four music, three reading, and two art teachers.
That would reduce the number of layoffs caused by the budget deficit from 126 to 111.
"That allows us to keep a viable program in art, music and phys ed. Again, it may not be 45 minute classes, it might be 30 minute classes, but the core program is there. We may adjust the frequency or again, the duration of when those courses meet but we're not completely eliminating that program and that's good news," said ECSD Superintendent Joe Hochreiter.
The superintendent says the district also has saved an additional $100,000 in the athletic budget by finding more ways to tighten the belt.