Binghamton School Budget Hearing To Be Held

A public hearing on a proposed $102 million budget for the Binghamton City School District is planned for Tuesday night. The session will be held a seven o'clock at Columbus School on Hawley Street.

School superintendent Marion Martinez says the district was facing a gap of more than $5 million dollars when the board of education began the process of putting together the spending plan.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Martinez said the central business office, which is run by BOCES, also had recommended a $2 million spending cut.

The superintendent said the initial focus was on addressing the $5.3 million gap. The budget plan calls for the elimination of about 55 positions.

Martinez said the district decided not to fill some positions after retirements or resignations to limit the number of employee layoffs.

The proposed budget carries a tax levy increase of nearly 1.9 percent compared to the current fiscal year.

New Yorkers will vote on proposed school budgets on May 21. Two Board of Education positions will be on the ballot in the Binghamton City School District.