Superintendent: Southold Schools Could See 'Small' Cuts In New Budget

The Southold Union Free School District could see some "small" program cuts under the new 2013-2014 budget, according to Superintendent David Gamberg.

"What we want to do is to create a sustainable path for years to come," Gamberg said Friday. "Any cuts or decisions we make, we have to know that they are things we can manage over the long term, not just the short term. But sometimes you have to take short term steps to get to another place in time."

A declining enrollment may lead to the need to "make some adjustments to programs," Gamberg said.

While the superintendent declined to give specifics, he said no changes have been finalized and will only be comprised of "small pieces."

The district's overall enrollment has seen a decline over the past five to ten years from over 1000 students enrolled to a current school population of 860.

That decrease, Gamberg said, can be directly linked to the economy and the lack of jobs in Southold.

Further information on budget numbers will become clear by Monday, when Gamberg said information is expected from New York State regarding state aid restoration. "That will dictate more specifically what we are looking at," he said.

Of the budget process, Gamberg said, "It's really a matter of maintaining the opportunities that students have for a well-rounded education. We're doing everything we can to be mindful of what constitutes that, including extra-curricular activities."

If cuts should be necessary, Gamberg said, "it will be a little bit here, a little bit there -- but not to the point of diminishing their educatinal experience."

The district, he said, is expected to come in under New York State's 2 percent tax cap levy. 

"We want to do right by students and the taxpayers, that's our guiding principle," he said. "And it's a balancing act."

Gamberg said he plans to implement a new social media plan to inform parents and taxpayers on the budget process. With YouTube receiving close to a billion videos each month, Gamberg said it's a natural progression.

"My thinking is that it's time that the school utilize that tool to provide information in a clear and objective way to taxpayers, parents, and anyone who wishes to see what the budget is comprised of."

Short, two-minute videos will be created to explain the budget, the 2 percent tax levy cap, and other issues, Gamberg said. Links to the YouTube videos will be placed on Facebook pages created by the PTA, the elementary school, and other school groups.

The videos will be created during the next few weeks and are expected to be completed by early April, Gamberg said.

The next Southold school budget hearing will be held on April 3.

What programs do you think are critical to Southold students? What do you think should definitely not be cut?