By THOMAS LUCKIE III

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg City School District Superintendent Timothy Vernsey maintained his firm stance against cutting programs for students despite a looming budget problem of $2,161,587 at Monday's Board of Education meeting.

The 2017-18 budget, particularly a $1.85 million increase in anticipated health insurance costs, has been an ongoing topic of discussion for the board and administration as the May school budget vote approaches.

Vernsey noted that the district is currently in the midst of contract negotiations and remains hopeful that adjustments will be possible.

"We will try to bring you the final budget in April, some of those drivers, health insurance for instance, are certainly significant," Vernsey said.

He was also quick to point out that the district has kept the tax levy within the allowable tax cap every year the cap has been in effect.

The budget for next school year also includes a $100,000 Capital Outlay Project, or "mini project," that included new lighting on the grounds of Ogdensburg Free Academy and in the Edgar A. Newell II Memorial Golden Dome and has already been completed. Vernsey stated that 98 percent of the project's costs will be refunded by state.

Vernsey also said that no cuts to programs for kids would be made as long as the board can adopt a spending plan.

A final budget is expected to be brought before the board sometime in April.