BY MATT LINDSEY

North Country This Week

NORWOOD -- Norwood-Norfolk Central School officials are grappling with the idea of a 20% reduction in school aid.

“There’s no way to overcome a slash to aid that large ... without risking educational solvency,” Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank told the school board Tuesday night.

He said a recent audit came back clean and that officials have put together a good budget.

Cruikshank said all districts are looking at deep cuts. He said they would have to dismantle the entire system.

There is some hope that the decrease in funding will not be as drastic as being discussed.

“The comptroller said there is a glimmer of hope,” Cruikshank said. The superintendent said he would not read too much into that statement, but that the comptroller was usually one of the more “fiscally prudent” members of state government.

Cruikshank added that the comptroller was reportedly basing his opinion on a positive quarter for sales tax, which factors heavily into state funding for schools

In an attempt to be proactive and save money, the district has not filled some open positions when they were able to handle them through shifting employees around.

Cruikshank said if his school were to go remote, furloughs are possible. He said it does not mean they would happen immediately. Also, he believes the furloughs could become a reality at all St. Lawrence County schools if an extended remote learning goes into effect.

There are no plans to lay any employee off at this time. A furlough would only take place if the district were to go fully remote for at least a week.