To the Editor:

Budget cuts at Potsdam Central could be made that would keep this year’s budget the same as last year.

Let’s start by evaluating every job and its actual need. Evaluate programs being offered and long distance bus trips.

GM employees had to start paying toward their own health care. It’s time that all school administrators, teachers and retirees start paying toward theirs and help the taxpayer out. Days of free health insurance are over.

Other ways to save taxpayers big dollars in reduction of school taxes are:

• Scheduled daytime hours for all sporting events. Turn the floodlights off.

• Don’t rent the football field for semi-pro football games and sporting events. School use only.

• Eliminate all sport road trips, unless they’re Section 10 games or playoff games. Bus transportation including wages and fuel has become too expensive.

• Eliminate needless printing costs and mailings. Put the word out using the local media. Hold public meetings to explain the increases.

• Eliminate field trip and trips overseas.

• Just how important is the cost of the music program?

School administrators should be held accountable for their actions, holding the budget to no more than a two percent increase and balancing it once every two out of three years.

If the administrators can’t hold down increases, replace them. Don’t reward them.

I strongly urge voters to take a stance and vote down the Potsdam school budget if there is any increase. If Mr. Brady doesn’t make drastic cuts this year, it will only be worse next year.

William C. Paige, Potsdam