MARATHON, NY (607NewsNow) — The Marathon Central School District still has a funding gap.

Before the budget was approved in May, Superintendent Jamie Coppola tells 607 News Now they were looking at a $3 million deficit in the 2026-27 school year.

To help lower the budget, the district included staff and program reductions to save about $2 million. Despite the financial crunch, Coppola says he’s optimistic about the upcoming school year.

In the 2026-27 budget, 29 positions were cut.

FULL INTERVIEW: Marathon Central School District Superintendent Jamie Coppola on 607 This Morning