Baldwin schools to lose $1.6M

Having prepared for the worst-case scenario in previous weeks, Baldwin School District officials got some decent news after learning that they would only lose about $1.6 million in state aid. Officials had been expecting millions more in losses prior to the release of the governor's executive budget on Jan. 19.

"It wasn't as bad as we anticipated," said Superintendent Dr. James Mapes.

Mapes explained that the reduction would have been about $3 million, a 12 percent cut, if not for some federal money incorporated in the state budget and also some grant funding for Baldwin schools. But the Board of Education, which also must address increases in employee retirement services next year, still faces a rough budget season.

Said Mapes, "They are going to have to make some tough decisions."

In recent board meetings, trustees had been anticipating state aid reductions in the vicinity of 10 to 20 percent. State lawmakers will analyze the governor's executive budget, which is scheduled to be voted on April 1, though it has often been voted on after that date.

The board meets tonight, and a work session is scheduled for Feb. 4.