No one shows for school budget

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Gwinnett School Board was all ears Thursday night for the first of two public hearings on the 2010 budget.

But no one from the public showed up.

The $2 billion proposed budget provides for nine new schools, one replacement school and an increase of more than 1,700 students.

While the budget is a 5.4 percent increase from 2009, school officials said position cuts and deferments of capital expenses will help keep local property tax rates the same.

The final public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 14 in the Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee. A vote to adopt the budget will follow. A copy of the budget is online at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us.