Region 9 Eyes Lower Budget Increase

Just how much will be cut out of the Region 9 Board of Education’s budget for the 2011-2012 school year?

On Wednesday, the board met at Joel Barlow High School and heard discussion of a budget which carries with it a 2.5 percent increase, down from , according to Board Chairman Mark Lewis.

“The administration presented new scenarios [Wednesday night] that included increased enrollment and an [English as a Second Language] teacher due to incoming students who need those services,” Lewis told Patch. “Those additions were funded by reductions proposed in other lines by the administration. They presented scenarios down to 2.5 percent. That 2.5 percent figure includes almost all of the additions and restorations that they presented to us at the last meeting.”

Lewis said the board will hear budgets even more reduced at its next workshop on Monday, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at .

“The board asked for further scenarios at 2.4 percent, 2.3 percent and 2 percent to review at the next meeting,” Lewis said. “We also asked for qualitative explanations of all the scenarios already presented and the new ones. We want to see the new proposal reconciled with the number presented in the first presentation as well. They are close, but not a perfect match.”

Those wishing to watch Wednesday’s budget meeting can tune in to Channel 78 at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow.