Buffalo Public Schools facing $16M deficit

A letter has been issued to all Buffalo Public School principals instructing them to look for ways to cut costs in their buildings.

7 Eyewitness News has obtained the letter, sent out on Friday, signed by Superintendent Kriner Cash.

The letter says the district is facing a $16-million dollar shortfall due to the recently passed state budget, which delivered less aid than expected.

According to the letter, the deficit is the equivalent of about 160 teaching jobs, but adds he will continue to lobby for more funding.

The district added this statement:

"We are looking for efficiencies across the district. This includes all departments as well as school based budgets. The CFO will present another draft budget this coming Wednesday as we look to close deficits, which poses a challenge."