School's Out Forever....

...Well, the signs in front of the schools all read:  "Until further notice, school is not in session."

So, that could be forever.  But, eventually, Sumner County students and teachers will have to go back.

For now, there is no school.

Why?

The School Board voted on Thursday night to suspend the start of school indefinitely pending a resolution to the budget impasse between the Board and the County Commission.

Interestingly, back in May, County Commissioner Jerry Stone commended Director of Schools Del Phillips for "the most transparent budget process" he'd ever witnessed.

Then, Stone joined his fellow Commissioners in telling the Board they simply won't fund the $7.6 million needed to pay for all that's in that budget.

In September of 2011, during the last edition of the now annual schools budget crisis, Director Phillips warned the Commission that failure to act to fully fund the 2011-12 budget would lead to dire consequences in 2012-13. 

The Board presented an inital 2011-12 budget that was $12 million over available funds.  The County Commission sent it back with a request to cut the budget back to only "needs."  The Board submitted a new budget -- cutting $7 million from their initial request.  The Commission then said:  We still don't want to pay for that.

Ultimately, the County Commission funded $500,000 of the Board's request. The Board cut $11.5 million from its initial proposal.  High school teachers no longer had substitutes available and had to use planning time to cover their colleagues classes.  14 positions were eliminated.  Key textbook purchases were delayed. And the Board accessed some of its reserve fund to cover other expenses.  But accessing the Board's reserves last year would mean there would be no reserves left to access in 2012-13. 

Since May, the Board has been pushing what it says is a "needs-based" budget.  All 11 Board members supported this budget request. 

But, the County Commission has said no time and again. 

In order to achieve the $7.6 million in savings, the Board would have to cut positions.  Already, the Board needs to hire 28 teachers, but instead is asking teachers to give up their planning time to cover these classes in exchange for a small stipend.  Eliminating subs for high school teachers would also save some funds.  Eliminating raises for classified employees -- who haven't had a raise in 5 years -- is another option.  Even with those measures, it is impossible to get to $7.6 million.  That means something else has to be cut.  Elementary art and music are on the table.  Other "non-required" courses may also be cut. 

Alternatively, the County Commission may decide at its emergency meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 that it can find the way to fund the budget.  Perhaps by using some of its $26 million reserve fund. 

Some County Commissioners are already giving indications of where they stand.

Commissioners Decker, LeMarbre, Utley, Guthrie, Harris, and Kimbrough have all indicated or explicitly supported a property tax increase as a means of funding the budget.  Commissioner Ring has indicated the schools need more revenue, and thus he may support a tax increase if needed. 

Commissioner Hughes has said the schools need additional funds, but that he's unwilling to support increased taxes.

Commissioner Jim Vaughn has stated he is absolutely opposed to any tax increase.  Commissioner Paige Brown Strong has said she opposes additional funds for schools at this time.

Commissioners Stone, Moser, Matthews, and Geminden have all historically opposed full funding of schools.  Commission Chair Merrol Hyde has said he doesn't believe the schools should always get the budget they propose and appears to be leaning against fully funding the budget.

County Executive Anthony Holt has said the School Board's action is "unacceptable." 

So, school's out in Sumner.  Not forever, but maybe for quite some time.