Henry teachers may face more cuts

By Julie Washburn Souza

For the AJC

More furlough days may be on the way for Henry County teachers as officials consider how to deal with a $7.1 million budget deficit this year.

“We went from a balanced budget of $317 million to a $7.1 million deficit due to the state changes in funding,” said Jeff Allie, the district's assistant superintendent of finance.

Board members may be able to offset the deficit by dipping into the district's $22 million reserve fund. But they are also considering more teacher furlough days in the second half of this school year.

Teachers in Henry have already taken two state-approved furlough days and will take a third day off without pay in early November.  The state board of education approved an additional seven furlough days for districts to use at their discretion.  But officials in Henry say they are hesitant to commit to using those days since the state may mandate more furlough days in the second half of this school year.

“We’re kind of in the dark,” said Ray Hudalla, chair of the Henry County Board of Education. “The biggest question is whether the governor will pass along any more furlough days for the second half of this year.”

Board members held a special meeting Friday to discuss the deficit and begin planning for next year’s budget, which is expected to be tighter than this year's.  Usually, the board begins such planning in January but officials wanted to get an early jump this year.

Traditionally, Henry’s school budget has increased each year to accommodate a rising numbers of students. Next year, however, the board is planning to decrease its budget by $17 million because of state cuts and a 5 percent decrease in the local tax digest.

“It’s going to be a very, very difficult year,”  said Hudalla, who predicts  the system will grow by about 1,500 students.

In the coming months, board members will be discussing ways to cut costs for next year. Among the ideas being considered: offering some or all summer school classes online and using paraprofessionals rather than teachers for in-school suspension.

Even with such changes, personnel and salary cuts may be necessary, said Allie.

"Approximately 88 percent of the Henry County school budget is for salaries and benefits,” he said. “The budget decline could have an impact on personnel and salaries. The board’s focus will continue to be classroom instruction.”