Board approves CUESD 2008-09 budget

Despite proposed budget cuts causing a high level of fiscal uncertainty to schools across the state, the Corning Union Elementary School District (CUESD) board of trustees has approved the CUESD budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The approval of the district's $15.2 million general fund and other fund budgets was given during a special public hearing on the budget held Monday at West Street School, 900 West St.

The budget indicates that general fund expenditures will exceed revenues by approximately $367,000, with reserves covering the deficit spending.

"The deficit spending is directly related to the governor's proposed budget cuts to schools," explained Wes Grossman, CUESD chief business official."

He was also quick to point out that Corning elementary school students will not be impacted adversely, stating, "The district's budget does not cut any student programs, nor does it undo any of the goals of the Recovery Plan adopted in April 2006."

Grossman added that the budget does meet on of the board's fiscal core values of maintaining general fund salary and benefits at 85 percent, but that it falls short of meeting the core value of establishing a 10 percent reserve. He maintains that while the district has grown its reserves over the past several years, state budget cuts will impact them significantly in 2008-09.

The budget also indicates that average daily attendance is expected to remain relatively flat for the current budget year and the following two years.

Craig Purcell may be contacted at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.