New Suffolk applying for grants, loan to fill budget gap
New Suffolk school board president Tony Dill spoke to a packed crowd at the schoolhouse Tuesday, notifying board meeting attendees that the district has received “assurances from at least one lender” that it will be approved for a loan to fill its “significant” budget gap.
While Mr. Dill didn’t comment on specifics, he said monies to fill the $80,000 gap, which became necessary when a teacher on special assignment returned to the district, will need to become available by Nov. 1.
He said district officials are currently seeking grant funding from a variety of sources to help minimize the impact of any loans it must take out.
“I don’t think there is reason to believe the money will not be there [come November],” he said.
In other district finance news, the school board made official two new hires who have been working in the district since school started last week.
Laurel resident Lisa Mauro, who holds advanced teaching and special education certification, was hired as a teacher assistant at a salary of $30,000, Mr. Dill said. Part-time foreign language teacher Annemarie VanHemmen of New Suffolk was hired to teach Spanish. The program is a new addition to the district for the 2014-15 school year, at a cost of $4,200 for Ms. VanHemmen’s salary.
There are just two full-time teachers instructing classes at the three-classroom school — Sara Campbell and Nicole Pollina.
Ms. Mauro will help Ms. Campbell teach students in grades two through six.
