JOHNSTOWN — Meeting in special session Monday, the Northridge Board of Education formulated a list of cost reduction measures to help balance the budget for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.
“Our deficit was at $283,669,” said superintendent John Shepard on Tuesday. “Last night’s difficult decision by the board reduced that deficit to about $42,000.”
The board cut four classified positions — two secretaries and two custodians — effective Jan.1. It also moved to cut all extra- and co-curricular activities, beginning with spring sports and activities.
“We won’t be seeing Quiz Bowl,” Shepard said. “We won’t have spelling bees. We won’t have other activities that would be co-curricular in nature. And our discretionary spending reductions include [but aren’t limited to] $30,000 in educational service center contract services, $20,000 from the supply budget and $65,000 in capital projects.”
Treasurer Felicia Drummey said those capital expenditure cuts include amounts budgeted for planned purchases such as software upgrades and technology for the high school computer lab.
“We were charged to propose cuts that would least impact direct instruction for our students,” Shepard explained. “We believe that although these [staff and activities] complement and enhance what we do in the classroom, they least impact what we’re doing instructionally. It was a huge decision by the board to cut spring activities, but when we can capture a $50,000 savings and keep the classroom doors open without sacrificing instruction ... it’s a tough decision, but we know that was our charge and that was our purpose.
“It’s a result of a combination of things,” he continued. “Not only our economy and the failure of our last three attempts at a levy, but also the state of educational funding in Ohio. It’s unfortunate that it impacts individuals this time of year, but we also realize our overarching goal is to teach kids the next day. It was a very difficult decision.”
Following an executive session to discuss the sale of school-owned property, the board authorized the treasurer and superintendent to enter into negotiations for the sale of the Hartford and Homer buildings to another public entity.
