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Friday, August 22, 2008
More budget woes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Everyone is looking for more money.
Fayette County school board members will vote Thursday to increase the school tax rate to offset state cuts because of an estimated $1.6 billion shortfall.
All 180 school districts have been told they will receive 2 percent less funding from the state. The news came after districts approved their budgets and set tax rates. Many school officials said they were already struggling to make ends meet. They’ve held off filling open positions or buying new textbooks, computers and other materials.
But the per pupil funding isn’t the only money they’re losing. The state is also considering eliminating the “taxpayer relief” funding on local property tax bills. The amount school districts will lose varies. Fulton County expects to lose about $13.7 million.
Chuck Burbridge, the chief financial officer for Atlanta public schools, summed up how many educators must feel about these cuts. “It is disappointing that the state treats our children’s education like pothole repair — something that can wait until tomorrow,” Burbridge said.
How are districts dealing with these cuts? They’ve asked different departments to trim their budgets. Some will use money from reserves. Metro school systems are better off than many rural districts who have said they may go into deficit spending.
If the situation worsens, local school leaders warn about fewer field trips, summer school offerings and bus services.
How worried are you about these reductions? How do schools slash their budgets without taking anything away from students?
