Some community members concerned with cuts made in UCSD 2012-13 budget
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: March 28, 2012
More than two hundred jobs are on the chopping block as the Utica City School Board is trying to adjust for a $10 million deficit.
Some Utica residents are saying this could come with major consequences. Many people say they are afraid of classrooms growing in population, and as a result, may hinder students from learning.
Some say it's a sad situation for students and for teachers.
"They're saying that our kids are under educated, but they're cutting everything," says Linda Rogan, a Utica resident.
The Utica City School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to cut more than two hundred jobs and eliminate various school programs.
In order to fill that $10 million deficit, some 140 teaching positions will be on the chopping block.
Also, seven administrators, 36 teacher assistants, and thirty clerical, secretarial, trades and custodial positions all will be cut.
And programs like kindergarten will be half days while athletic and sports programs will be significantly reduced.
One Utica resident says with all the cuts, parents may have to look at outside programs for their children.
"When my son was growing up we supplemented his education a lot with private music and art school because those were the things we wanted him to have but weren't provided in the school district we were in," explains Richard Panetta.
With the cuts, many teachers will be without jobs. Linda Rogan says her two daughters may have to move elsewhere for a teaching position.
"I have two daughters who graduated with teaching degrees and can't find a job. They're substituting here and there but can't find real jobs," says Rogan.
Utica Superintendent Bruce Karam says with the cuts, he realizes the size of classrooms will grow.
He says the school district has requested state help.
In a phone statement, Mr. Karam says, "the main problem is a lack of state aid. We are a growing district, but we aren't getting money for it."
Mr. Karam says they have cut, in his words, below the bone. He says the district has contacted area state representatives and they are currently working towards securing additional state aid for the district.
