Watkins plans for 2011-12 budget

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen school district is preparing to work on the 2011-12 budget, with the first scheduled board discussion, Monday, Jan. 17.
The Watkins board of education heard some preliminary information at the Monday, Dec. 20, board workshop meeting.  District Treasurer Gayle Sedlack explained the district will at least see a one percent decrease in state aid, but said she doesn’t know exactly how much it will be decreased.  She added the district is receiving state aid payments now, but there are many delays.
Sedlack also spoke about the district’s outstanding debt.  She said that when the state aid numbers are applied, Watkins’ outstanding debt is $4.6 million.  Sedlack said, “it positions the district favorably for future considerations.”  To give it a comparison, she explained that $4.6 million is 7.2 percent of the district’s debt limit.
In other business:
Middle school Principal Kristine Somerville said there are 152 students in the after school 21st Century Program.  She added three more teachers have volunteered to help.
Athletics Director Denise Wickham spoke about the fall sports season and noted the various team and individual accomplishments.