By MATT LINDSEY

NORWOOD -- Norwood-Norfolk Central School Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank called the governor’s increase in state aid for his district “underwhelming.”

Cruikshank says the small increase would not keep pace with contractual obligations such as salaries and health instance, as well as simple utilities.

“Some people saw that there was a large increase for Norwood-Norfolk — that was for building aid, not instructional aid,” he said.

Cruikshank said the initial increase offered is “somewhat” like previous years, but noted that the additional funding in the final budget is becoming less and less over the years.

“The line has been drawn in the sand,” he said.

NNCS is still dealing with positions lost during a large layoff in 2008.

Should the district end up with enough money Cruikshank said they would look to restore this positions.

“Most of our departments are understaffed from 10 years ago,” he said.

A public forum on the final budget will be presented to the community March 20.

Cruikshank said anyone is welcome to attend budget work sessions and Board of Education meetings prior to the forum to keep up-to-date on budget news.

There will be time for input on the budget even after the March 20 meeting.

The budge will go to vote May 15.