Paul G. Williamsen

Superintendent

27 School Street

Mayfield, NY 12117

518.661.8207

leaf bullet Mayfield CSD considering the
     reduction or elimination of 20 positions


March 4, 2011

The Mayfield Board of Education projects it may need to eliminate and or reduce 20 positions as the district looks for ways to close a projected $1.6 million dollar funding shortfall for the 2011-12 school year.

As school districts across New York State are faced with difficult decisions, Mayfield is no different. Governor Cuomo’s proposed 2011-12 budget includes cuts of $1.5 billion in state aid to schools. Under that proposal, Mayfield would lose $1.36 million in state aid or 13.89 percent from what it received this year.

 “The situation is dire and there is no way to sugarcoat that,” said Superintendent Paul G. Williamsen.

“Many districts in our area have seen their state aid cut, but Mayfield was hit especially hard. And since approximately 70 percent of Mayfield’s budget is comprised of employee salaries and benefits, we know many of the cuts have to come in that area. It’s a bad situation, because we have such a strong academic tradition here and our teachers are dedicated to that tradition.”

In addition to the Governor’s proposed cuts, other circumstances that will affect Mayfield’s budget decisions for the 2011-12 school year are:

  • The Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (the district’s largest taxpayer) owes the district two years of property taxes plus penalties totaling more than $700,000.

  • Healthcare costs for employees are going up 16.5 percent. That means the district will pay $800,000 more in 2011-12.

  • District contributions to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) and NYSERS New York State Employees’ Retirement System (NYSERS) will account for an increase of $270,000.

  • Under current contracts, salaries for teachers and professional staff will increase nearly $430,000.

The deadline for the State Legislature to adopt the state budget is April 1. Residents are urged to contact their local representatives, who include:

The public is also invited to the Board of Education budget meeting at 5 p.m., March 15, on the second floor of the high school library.