This year budget cuts affected a number of resources and departments in the school. As a result of the tight budgets, originally a total of twelve teachers and staff members were excessed in June; however, all but four teachers have now been able to return to their jobs but other staff members are still in excess.

When asked how it was possible for certain staff members to return, Dr. Curtis explained, “We were able to work out an agreement with our network, which gave us leeway to bring them back.” Several staff members who did not return to Curtis accepted job offers at other high schools on Staten Island. These included Mr. Archbold, a physical education teacher who transferred to Staten Island Tech; Ms. Grazia-Arlia, an Italian teacher who went to teach at Tottenville; and one of the social workers, Ms. Sweeney, who accepted a position at New Dorp.

While these teachers and staff members were able to find teaching positions and jobs elsewhere, a number of them still are in excess. These include Ms. Walsh- Lopes, the chorus teacher; Ms. Ago, who worked in the health and nursing department; and three secretaries.

The performing arts and nursing departments, as well as the support staff, were most affected by the budget cuts. These programs are not deemed necessary for graduation, whereas core subjects such as math, social studies, English, and science are required for a student to graduate. “We are forced to look at what makes a New York State graduation requirement and let that be our guide,” said Dr. Curtis.

Catherine McGough, a senior who was taught by Ms. Walsh-Lopes, was upset to see her favorite teacher go. “When I first found out she was leaving, I was angry because she was the one teacher I knew I could go to and tell something to and she wouldn’t judge me,” she said. “I knew she genuinely cared about us.” The strings program of performing arts department was also indirectly affected by the budget cuts. Due to the excess of a music teach- er in the department, the intermediate strings class had to be cut after only one year. This forced other students in the beginners class to stay as beginners, even though they were hoping to advance.

Should there be further limitations with the school’s budget, Dr. Curtis predicted that the special education department would be next to be impacted. Since many of those students require specific learning environments with “collaborative team-taught classes,” two teachers are usually needed to teach them.

Yet, in spite of the bud- get cuts. Dr. Curtis expressed hopes that there would be less need for such measures in the future. “I have assurance and confidence that we will make the budget requirements for the next school year,” she said.