FAIRFIELD — Unanticipated revenue and budget cuts announced last month could come close to eliminating a projected $2 million deficit in Fairfield schools that was forecast for June 2002.

        Superintendent Robert Farrell said Monday he would recommend the board of education continue budget cuts and wait until November 2002 or May 2003 to put an operating levy on the ballot. Voters have rejected two operating levies since May.

        “The good news is we have another year before go ing to the ballot,” Mr. Farrell said. "We got word last week that overall revenue will be up $1.3 million from real-estate taxes, personal tangible (business) taxes and the state foundation.”

        Besides that money, the district will receive a $250,000 technology grant that will be paid over two years, and a $180,000 reading grant to be paid over three years.

        “When we ran the levy in November, it was based on projections done last summer,” Mr. Farrell said.

        “But based on the latest information from the auditor's office and from the state, the situation is better than expected.”

        Last month, the board cut school and administrative budgets, imposed a hiring freeze, decided not to buy school buses, limited field trips and deferred all maintenance spending except for emergencies. Those cuts will continue for the remainder of the school year and for the 2002-03 year, Mr. Farrell said. No other cuts are likely, he said.

        “We're going to continue tightening our belts a great deal,” Mr. Farrell said.

        Community input will be solicited, Mr. Farrell said. New financial projections will be outlined at Thursday's 7 p.m. board meeting.

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