The Southern Cayuga Central School District is continuing to focus on responsibility during ongoing budget talks.

Superintendent Mary Kay Worth predicted the district's board of education will adopt a budget during its next meeting, Monday, April 23. The board will present the document to the public Monday, May 7. Members will vote on it Tuesday, May 15, a date set by the state.

Worth said the budget is close to completion, but she declined to release figures at this point.

“It's a responsible budget we're bringing to the taxpayers and the parents. You have to put those (groups) together,” board president Ted Rejman said.

There was a change in this year's budget process, Rejman said. The district's departments presented the board with reports on where they are, what they want to accomplish and what they need to reach their goals. This helped the board make educated decisions, rather than only examining figures, he said.

During the discussions, the board examined student enrollment, how the district is utilizing staff and current programs, Worth said.

Enrollment, which stands at about 900 students, has decreased recently.

“I think the taxpayers will be pleasantly surprised (with the budget),” Worth said.

One scenario detailed cutting back the nursing services. After a long conversation, the board agreed to keep the three nurses, one in the Emily Howland building and two in the Poplar Ridge building.

The agricultural community always eyes what the board does to support the industry, Worth said. The board discussed what to do with the staffing levels for the programs and reviewed maintaining the current level for the agricultural programs.

While she's been there for four months, she said the process has been open, healthy and responsible. She points to everyone working well together. Rejman echoed these sentiments, saying the process was more efficient.

Budget conversations are always difficult, Worth said. The district has to find the balance between the mandatory academic requirements, the needs and wants that are unique to the community, and what's financially feasible.

“We're offering programs in an efficient manner and we're mindful of the monetary ramifications,” Rejman said.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net