POPLAR RIDGE -- The failing economy is hitting everybody's wallet, and the same cannot be any truer for the Southern Cayuga Central School District.

Facing a scenario for the 2008-09 budget in which district expenses are greater than the amount of revenue coming in, the district and its board of education are considering options to be fiscally responsible with spending to keep taxpayer impact under control.

One idea proposed by district Superintendent Mary Kay Worth is to offer retirement incentives to faculty members.

According to Business Administrator Martha Stevermer, these incentives would honor the dedication of faculty members by giving them a financial boost as well as allowing the district to save some money. The vacancy left by a retirement would be filled by an entry level employee working under a lower salary.

Board president Ted Rejman pointed out that this is more than just money.

"We're talking about people here," he said. "Yes, part of it we're doing for financial need, but I don't want the perception to be that we're trying to get people out the door. These are good people."

Board member Jim Wilcox voiced his opposition to any retirement incentives, saying that it was discussed last year and the board decided against it.

Replied board member Steve Morse, "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

For more, read Tuesday's Citizen