Tonight: Bedford Budget Talks; Counselor Supporters to Rally for Her Job

The proposed Bedford Central School District budget for 2013-14, which calls for deep cuts, will be at the forefront of tonight's school board agenda.

The budget, according to the agenda, is slated to get a presentation from Superintendent Jere Hochman. The proposal, which involves 30.9 job cuts and stays under the tax levy cap, includes cuts to half of the combined middle school and high school-level clubs, along with cuts to half of the modified sports offerings. Additionally, music rotational times are being reduced, while the ACES alternative high school program is being merged into Fox Lane High School.

Among those who is believed to be facing a layoff is Fox Lane High School student assistance counselor Lauren Beeson, according to Mt. Kisco Drug &Alcohol Abuse Prevention Council Co-Coordinator Nan Miller, who sent out an email about the matter.

Miller wrote that supporters of Beeson, who co-chairs a youth committee connected to the drug council, plan to show up at the board meeting to support her.

"I hope many of you will be interested and able to attend as well," Miller wrote.

This year has been significant for the drug council, from the Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC); Beeson has been involved with the council in planning work for using the grant.

The proposed budget cuts have drawn their shares of controversy. This has included librarian opposition, according to recent meeting video, because four out of five elementary-level library jobs are set to be cut. ACES students who spoke at the same meeting were also worried about the loss of their program. Some in the community are worried about the proposed music change.

The school board's meeting starts at 7:15 p.m., at Fox Lane Middle School's Little Theatre. Click here for the agenda.