PINE BUSH – The governor's preliminary budget proposals are out now and they make frightening reading. Of special concern are the cuts in aid to schools. Pine Bush School District has been asked to give back $3.56 million. This is an offer the district can't refuse, and it represents approximately 3.5% of the total budget.

Everything in that budget, therefore, will be coming under the microscope over the next few weeks. What that will mean won't be known for a while yet, although it is likely that programs will be cut back or cancelled. Furthermore, because 80% of the budget pays for staff, layoffs can most likely be expected.

The only alternative there would be hefty tax increases, which, in the current economic climate, are likely to face stiff opposition in the community.

More news next week as the battle of the budget for Pine Bush Schools gets underway.

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