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Albany City Schools: Huge cuts a necessary move

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Another local school district says it will have to make huge cuts because of New York State's budget.       

NEWS10 previously reported on districts like Averill Park and East Greenbush. Now, it's Albany City School leaders that say dozens of teachers will be cut, and two elementary schools may actually have to be shut down in their district.

The district, like many others, is preparing for the worst.

Those are all options on the table as the Albany City School District tries to close a projected $20-million dollar budget gap.

The cuts, if approved, would go into effect next school year.

Interim Superintendent Raymond Colucciello laid out the grim picture for the media Thursday afternoon.

He says the Albany School District has no choice -- it has to plan for the worst as it works to address the budget deficit.

In addition to the 100 total layoffs, there's also program cuts, which would effect reading programs along music, gym and art classes.

"These are devastating. In all the years I've been in the business this is one of the most difficult financial situation I've seen schools in this state face," said Colucciello.

It is important to keep in mind that these are just proposed cuts. The district is planning for the worst. A possible charter school closure along with stimulus money could add to the Albany District budget.