BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

CANTON – Canton Central School Superintendent Ron Burke says his district is bracing for potential cuts to Foundation Aid that are unprecedented.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the decision May 1 to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

“The announcement that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year is heartbreaking,” Burke said. “Without children in our classrooms, hallways and playgrounds, the school building is just an empty shell. It is hard to imagine not seeing the students and staff until September.”

Cuomo also issued an executive order delaying school board elections and budget votes statewide until June 9.

“The budgetary impact of the closure will likely be minimal,” Burke said.

He said the district is saving money on utilities and transportation, but is also spending more for the provision of meals for students.

“The full impact, positive or negative, will not be known until the fiscal year closes at the end of June,” Burke said.

The superintendent said a larger issue is expected cuts in state aid.

“Of far greater concern budgetarily is the revenue adjustment that will be announced in the coming weeks,” he said. “In preparing our budget, we are bracing for potential cuts to Foundation Aid that are unprecedented. We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.”

Burke commended the governor for his “continued leadership” during the pandemic.

“His executive order regarding the vote on school budgets and election for Board of Education members is certainly in-line with his efforts to maintain social distancing,” Burke said.

He said school officials are still receiving information details about the budget and school board vote.

“Certainly, the next two weeks will be a flurry of activity as we prepare legal notices, order paper ballots and prepare mailings,” the superintendent said. “As with learning how to provide remote learning and prepare student meals for delivery, I am confident that the Canton Central School staff will rise to meet this challenge successfully.”

Burke said he trusts that leaders at all levels are making data-driven decisions to ensure the health and safety of all.

“Frequently, there are posts on social media extolling us to stay home so that others can live. Perhaps this is our generational sacrifice for the greater good,” Burke said.

Help keep St. Lawrence County informed

Until now, advertising has provided the income to pay our news staff. But with a cutback in advertising due to the COVID-19 crisis, our ability to continue free news coverage is threatened.  Please donate to NorthCountryNow.com and North Country This Week so we can keep St. Lawrence County informed.  Thank you.