Schools Told to Be Ready for New Cuts

BARTOW | Less than three months after the state cut Polk County Schools' funding, the district has been told to prepare for another $13 million cut, which would bring the schools' total losses to $22 million.

The state recently told district officials throughout Florida that they should set aside 2 percent of the budget, to be used to ease another anticipated budget cut in September caused by the struggling economy.

State lawmakers had already cut the district's per-pupil funding by $9 million in April.

Mark Grey, assistant superintendent of business services, said at a work session meeting Tuesday that job cuts could be expected if the economy worsens.

"The choices are not going to be fun at this stage," Grey said. "If students don't return based on our numbers and homes continue in foreclosures, then we could be looking at job cuts."

Next year, for the first time in 10 years, the district is predicting a 1 percent decline in student enrollment for its 60th day census. The student count taken on the 60th day of the school year is significant because it is the basis of state funding.

Superintendent Gail McKinzie said the district will focus on numerous money-saving options, including freezing positions if an employee other than a teacher resigns or retires. Already, 190 unfilled positions have been cut.

The district also would consider cutting consulting fees, eliminating the hiring of temporary employees and continuing not to purchase new vehicles and new equipment, such as computers, printers and copiers.

In addition to the $13 million, the district will ask principals to set aside 20 percent of their school operating budgets in preparation for a lower number of students than this year.

Some School Board members seemed stunned.

"Twenty percent is not insignificant," board member Brenda Reddout said. "Does 20 percent cut into the core of what we are doing at schools?"

Grey said it was more of a precautionary measure. Principals would be able to spend the money if the estimated number of students, or more, attend the school, he said.

If the economy continues to slide, this fiscal year and next would be two of the toughest years in recent memory for the district.

The district has already received bad financial news this year. The school system dipped into its emergency fund after a $32 million reduction in the budget.

The district's budget last year from state and local funds was $648 million. Next year, the budget will be $637 million without the $13 million in cuts. The $22 million in cuts would be about 3.5 percent of the total budget.

More than 80 percent of that money is tied up in salaries and benefits, and millions more in federal dollars must be spent on specific programs.

After years of increased student funding, the state cut Polk's funding in April by $156 per student, or 2.2 percent. The statewide reduction was $131 per student.