Amherst schools coming up nearly $1M short

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The Superintendent of Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools says that their upcoming school budget is close to one million dollars short.    

Superintendent of Schools Maria Geryk told 22News the FY14 cuts will impact class sizes, which are expected to grow, and call for staff reductions. 

Geryk says the gap grew to $923,000 after drying revenue streams of local and state aid and continued changes to Chapter 70 funds; as classes become more diverse.  So far, the gap is expected to slash 9.3 staff positions and cut some programs.

Geryk says they expect a decline in enrollment next year and some of the teachers and school staff members retiring may not be able to be replaced.  Still, Geryk says it's too early to tell exactly where they'll make the cuts.

“We have to be very conscious of where we increase, whether that be, [for example] labs.  [They] have a greater restriction of the numbers of students you can serve well,” Geryk said inside her Chestnut Street office. “This is a real gap for us this coming year; something that we will be able to address, although it will be challenging." 

Geryk plans to present a plan to the school committee next month.