SPRINGFIELD SCHOOLS Treasurer holds out possibility of seeking levy renewal in '04

The treasurer said the district faces big deficits if the income tax levy isn't renewed.
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- The Springfield school district might have to ask district residents to renew the income tax levy when it expires in December 2004.
Ed Sobnosky, district treasurer, said the 1 percent levy, which generates slightly more than $1 million each year, likely will be needed to help the district offset increasing salary and employee health-benefit costs.
At the school board's meeting Tuesday, Sobnosky presented to the board a five-year financial forecast, as required by the state. He said if the levy isn't passed, the school district could be looking at employee layoffs and other cutbacks.
The school board unanimously adopted the financial forecast. Sobnosky said variables could change depending on how much money the state gives the school district.
"It just doesn't look good," he said. "In three years, we will barely be in the black. We're looking at big deficits -- $2 million by the end of 2007." Real estate taxes are at 20 mills, with each mill generating about $111,000. The five-year forecast applies to fiscal years 2003 through 2007.
In other news, the school board hired Francine Krupa as an after-school science proficiency teacher at an hourly rate of $19.14. John Pasternack was hired as an after-school math proficiency teacher at an hourly rate of $12. Cindy Marchese is to be paid $19.14 an hour as an after-school proficiency teacher substitute.