South Country Central School District cites $12M shortfall, board sends private‑school bus cut to ballot amid demands for accountability

The South Country Central School District board met March 13 for a packed public session dominated by an audit summary, a proposed round of staff reductions and a contentious proposal to scale back private‑school transportation.

Superintendent Santana opened the public presentation by reading directly from the district's external audit: “Budget estimates for several expenditure categories were not sufficient to cover actual 2024 2025 spending due to a combination of ineffective budgeting practices and unanticipated cost increases.” He told the audience the district is still developing a three‑year fiscal recovery plan, has expanded its external audit and has daily collaboration with the state controller's office to stabilize finances.

The superintendent and administration laid out recent steps meant to stem the shortfall: expanded audit work, a retained consultant with decades of experience, daily monitoring with the controller's office and an ongoing review of property and facilities to align with enrollment. Administration said mid‑year adjustments produced roughly $390,000 in savings through position consolidations and vacancy management, but projected benefit and contractual cost increases have limited net savings.

The meeting…