School Board Takes Action

In response to the County Commission Budget Committee's request on Monday night that the School Board submit a budget that includes keeping bookkeepers and trainers for the remainder of this school year, the Board voted to amend their "cuts" budget and operate under the assumption that the Commission will provide the dollars that will enable the Board to keep those staff members for this year.

The Board also voted to present its original budget that was rejected by the Budget Committee in August. Board members expressed a desire for the full County Commission to review the original budget with no cuts.

Board members noted that even with the "cuts" budget, the Board would be in the position of making millions of dollars in new cuts next school year.

Alternatively, the original budget avoids the cuts, including the loss of 51 jobs, restrictions on field trips, no subs for high school teachers, and closing EB Wilson night school.

That budget would also allow the Board to keep funds in reserve in order to address potential growth for next year and avoid more drastic cuts in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Director of Schools Del Phillips read a speech to the Board that was originally presented to the Budget Committee on Monday night by 6th grade student MeriAllen Krueger.

The next action will be the County Commission meeting on Monday night where Commissioners can either fund a budget that cuts 51 jobs or fund the original Board proposal that meets all of the district's current needs.