The Peru Gazette

From the Office of A. Paul Scott

Peru Central School District and Peru Central’s budget advisory committee are hosting another public forum, slated for 6 PM this coming Monday, March 14th at 6 PM in the community room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru High School. Monday’s 6 PM public forum will actively engage Peru School District residents by soliciting ideas and perceptions regarding key budget factors for constructing next school year’s proposed budget plan and the anticipated $1.1M in cost reductions for July 1st forward, in response to the Governor’s proposed $2.62M cut in state aid to Peru Central.

Peru CSD will sustain the $1.7M of cost reductions in place since last summer, and will expand cost reduction strategies by at least another $1.1M, reflecting the forecasted decrease in state aid, according to Peru Central Superintendent of Schools A. Paul Scott.

The 2011-2012 budget plan includes further reductions in the areas of BOCES services, transportation services, clerical services, custodial services, teaching assistants, teacher aides, monitors and substitute teachers. Six teaching positions and two teaching assistant positions are impacted, with attrition forecasted to involve four of the six teaching positions. Fourteen support staff positions are impacted, with attrition anticipated to involve several of those support staff positions. Superintendent Scott is work closely with the Board of Education to help Peru Central construct a responsible budget plan for voter consideration May 2011.

Scott believes the fiscal challenges for the years ahead will likely drive some aspects of how public education is funded, organized & delivered statewide, particularly in rural communities. Although more leanly staffed, Peru will still offer solid programs, Scott said.

Monday’s February 14th 6 PM public forum at Peru Central will start with distribution and discussion of pertinent facts. Next, district residents who attend will engage in small group discussions focused on the anticipated $1.1M in cost reductions. A brief stakeholder perceptions survey will follow, as part of the public forum.