The county's FAIR Plan and a smaller-than-expected increase in state aid are forcing Monroe County's suburban school districts to deal with budget shortfalls. In one of the most drastic cases, the Gates Chili district is closing an elementary school, which has seen declining enrollment. The other choice was to raise the district budget by $1 million and tap reserve funds.

Local media reports show the varied ideas of other districts:

• The Penfield school district is considering several proposals, one of which would include no cuts, a 2.5 percent tax increase and a $3 million increase in the tax levy. All options call for spending increases, some call for larger tax increases than others.

• In Pittsford, school officials are examining ways to cut expenses. Among the areas targeted for cuts are summer academic programs and sports.

• Greece proposes tapping into its reserves and a tax increase. But it also plans to add teachers and programs.

Other school districts, such as Brighton, are still weighing their approaches.