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Budget Woes Could Force Closure Of Ogdensburg Golden Dome

Story Published: Feb 28, 2012 at 2:50 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 29, 2012 at 6:35 AM EDT

Ogdensburg City School District Superintendent Tim Vernsey says "a worst case scenario" of having to fill a more than $3 million gap in next year's draft school budget could be shutting the doors to the Golden Dome and cutting nearly 20 jobs.

"Closing the dome, we predict might save over $100,000, but that's a very radical thing, very radical decision," said Vernsey.
 
The school system is looking to use more than $1 million in its fund balance to help deal with the budget situation, but even then the district would still face a $1 million gap.

"It's too the point now where we are dismantling what was once a fine educational system," said Vernsey.
 
Schools like Ogdensburg are faced with three options to deal with budget problems:

- raise property taxes
- dig deeper into the fund balance
- get more state aid
 
Ogdensburg school officials say in order to arrive at a balanced budget that stays within the state's tax cap, the district would need to eliminate some assistant athletic coaches and supervisors.

Included among the positions on the chopping block is the school's resource officer, a business teacher position and the district's gifted and talented program.
 
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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