Cuts planned if Lakeview levy fails

The plan also calls for the implementation of
pay-to-play sports and extra-curricular activities.

By ERIC GROSSO

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

CORTLAND — The number of teacher cuts that could come if a March tax levy fails may be reduced or eliminated by a number of teacher retirements at the end of the school year.

On Monday, Lakeview Board of Education accepted the retirements of five teachers.

Mary Bumstead, first grade teacher at Bazetta Elementary; Bonita Everitt, fifth grade teacher at Cortland Elementary; Noreen Gory, Cortland Elementary special education teacher; Sarah Lane, Cortland Elementary teacher; and Carolyn Moore, fourth grade teacher at Cortland Elementary; all had their retirements accepted by the board.

Superintendent Robert Wilson said the teachers had at least a combined 150 years experience, most of which came in the Lakeview district.

“These people have made such an impact on our system,” said board member Donna Zuga.

“They will certainly be missed,” said board member Larry Sherer.

Last month, the district passed a plan that would take effect if a 7.5-mill levy does not pass on March 4. If the levy fails, the district would need the plan to offset a $400,000 deficit in 2009. Part of the plan called for six teacher cuts, with Wilson estimating a savings of $275,000 for the district.

With the retirements announced on Monday, the district may not have to cut as many teachers as originally planned. Wilson did not have information on future cuts or how the retirements would affect the plan, but he originally stated last month he hoped the cuts could be done through retirements.

He said it’s possible that the district could see one or two more teachers retiring before the end of this year.

The potential plan also calls for the implementation of pay-to-play sports and extra-curricular activities.

Lakeview Middle School students would pay $100 per sport or a $200 maximum for multiple sports. Lakeview High School students would pay $300 per sport or a $600 maximum. Students taking part in extra-curricular activities would pay $25 to $50.

The pay-to-play program could bring in about $50,000. But Wilson said the numbers are just preliminary numbers and will be adjusted upon further review by the district.

Another portion of the plan calls for transportation to be reduced to state minimums. The district would only provide busing for pupils in grades kindergarten though 8th that live more than two miles from school.

The district would not provide busing for students at Lakeview High School. Those cuts would save the district about $75,000.

In November, the district saved $500,000 by cutting five teachers; two from Lakeview High School, one from Lakeview Middle School, and two from Bazetta Elementary.a