Liverpool (WSYR-TV) -- The scramble to save money has led two local school districts to consider some big changes for its students. From cutting hours, to closing schools, parents got their first chance Monday night to hear what may soon be in store for their kids.
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Liverpool Central School District is considering shortening the day for its kindergarten students. During a meeting on Monday, the school board met and talked about the possibility of reverting to half day kindergarten due to budget concerns.
The district faces a $10-million deficit for the next school year, thanks in part to a $3.5-million reduction in state aid. Administrators estimate that going to a half day kindergarten schedule could save the district $758,000.
But is it worth it academically and economically in the long run? That’s the question many parents and the district are now wrestling with.
Malina Rose’s parents could have a big problem if Liverpool kindergarten goes back to a half day schedule.
"My wife and I both work and what are we supposed to do with our child now that she's going to be out of daycare and we're both working?” asked Liverpool parent Thomas Digiorgio.
And that’s not all they’re worried about. Research shows a child’s early education can have lasting effects right through college. It can even save a school district’s money in the long run.
"And it seems like we're kind of eating our seed-corn. All the research says you know for every dollar you put in over here, you save 7, 10 dollars on down the road with programs that you don't need, to remediate problems that you can fix on a timely basis when they're four, five and six years old,” Liverpool Superintendent, Dr. Richard Johns said.
But an immediate and massive budget gap could trump the benefits of a full day.
Baldwinsville schools are also facing a budget deficit. Their budget falls short of $6-million.
Parents there learned about a plan that could shut down either Van Buren or Elden Elementary, saving the district a million dollars. And there too, parents aren’t sure it’s worth it.
One parent told NewsChannel 9, "I think you need to find other ways to find that budget gap and close it. Our school is important to our community."
Another parent said, “When I start to hear about 23 students in a kindergarten class and I hear about the prospect of adding just one or two more, that brings a great concern."
At this point – in both districts – plans are only being discussed and could potentially be included in the superintendent’s budget proposals for next year. It’s still relatively early in the process, as most districts unveil their final spending plans in April.
