Published: February 04, 2010 12:00 am      

Teachers association gets involved in budget planning

STAFF REPORT

The Milford Central School Teachers Association has formed a volunteer task force that will look at the district’s budget to see where there can be possible savings and cuts.

MCS Superintendent Peter Livshin says it is good to have another set of eyes that can try to identify areas where the district can realize savings.

High school science teacher Kevin Stevens was at last week’s board of education meeting representing the 20 teachers who have volunteered their time. We are not just looking at this year’s budget, but intend to look at the years to come, says Stevens.

State aid reduction numbers are much greater than what we have heard recently, says Stevens. This is why the MTA finds it important to get involved in helping find solutions to providing staffing and programming in a costly manner, he added.

Stevens says the goal is to be the best school possible providing high quality education, but at the same time maintain the leanest budget possible.

BOE President Tom Brennan says he welcomes the MTA participation. It shows the commitment of our staff and it does not come unexpectedly, he added.

Livshin says he does not believe staff at other school districts are quite as willing to step up to the plate to provide such a collaborative willingness to help and to recognize the dire situation schools are in. This effort is very appreciated, he says.