Baldwin schools to look at transportation

The Baldwin school board will hold a special meeting Thursday night to discuss possible changes to the district’s transportation services as a way to cut spending.

The district might hold a referendum on the issue next year depending, in part, on the community response.

Kim Taylor, the school board president, said the district is struggling with its finances and is searching for ways to save money.

Schools across the state had to adjust to a new, state-imposed cap on property taxes last year and expect only limited increases in state aid for the following year.

“Like all districts across Long Island, Baldwin is contending with the tax cap, as well as a cap on increases in state aid, and we are looking at ways to save money and programs,” Taylor said. “After the board has had a chance to discuss the information, we will decide whether or not a referendum could help us bridge our budget gap.”

Baldwin laid off 27 teachers last year and has hired back only seven.

Two administrative positions that were lost to attrition remain unfilled, Taylor said.

Taylor did not have any details about possible transportation cuts, saying that the board and the community will be presented with an array of options at tonight’s meeting.