Clintondale board warns of possible layoffs as budget shortfall forces staffing projections

The Clintondale Community Schools Board of Education on a 7–0 roll call approved staffing projections that signal potential layoffs for the 2024–25 school year, with administrators authorized to plan for up to 15 certified (CEA) position reductions and up to 10 ASME (support) position reductions.

The action followed a presentation from district leadership that tied the need to lower staff counts to declining student enrollment and the conclusion of one-time ESSER federal pandemic funds. The chair said the district is spending about $34,000,000 annually while bringing in roughly $31.2 million in revenue, and framed the staffing projections as part of legally required budgeting adjustments.

"We are spending $34,000,000 and we're only bringing in 31. 31.2," the chair said, describing the shortfall and the need to achieve a balanced budget. The superintendent told the board that administration will seek to minimize layoffs by using attrition where possible and will present a concrete staffing plan and specific counts when the budget is finalized.

Board members pressed for detail on timing, options and whether reductions could be avoided. One board member described the dissolution of ESSER funds and a prior contract vote as having created a financial strain and said the district must ‘‘watch every penny’’ as it readjusts. The chair proposed a symbolic reduction in board member compensation — from $300 to $200 per month — as an example of leaders "sharing in the pain" while the board and administration finalize decisions.

The superintendent and finance staff said they will return with a budget recommendation, including the number and type of positions to eliminate and how the district plans to use attrition and redeployment to limit employee impacts. The board publicly committed to additional review meetings and outreach before final personnel actions, and the chair emphasized the goal of exhausting non‑disciplinary options before layoffs.

Next steps: administration will prepare a detailed staffing reduction plan tied to the 2024–25 budget and present it to the board for a vote in a subsequent meeting. The board also signaled it is exploring a future sinking-fund ballot and other revenue options but has not set a date.