The Choctaw Plaindealer

While most local school children are enjoying their summer with little worry, Choctaw County School administrators, board members and others are worrying on how to fund a $570,509 shortfall for the Choctaw Country School district.

To alleviate some of the funding crunch, the Choctaw County School Board examined the possibilities of a tax increase in the budget hearing on June 21.

Dr. Arlene Amos, Superintendent for the Choctaw County Schools, provided the Choctaw board members and one concerned citizen in attendance with an outline of expected revenues and expenditures for the district.

"We have done some cutting back and trimming," said Amos.

The district has made cuts by not filling positions left vacant by resignations and retirements. With the exception of a few assistant teachers, most teachers and other school employees have not lost their jobs due to the budget cuts. Several teachers and others have had contract days shortened to save funding.

In the expected revenues Choctaw County is expecting about $4 million from the present local taxes, about $7 million in state funding, $2 million in Federal funding and about $700,000 in 16th section revenue. The district expects about $14 million in revenues.

The school district expects to spend about $9.5 in employee salaries and benefits; about $4 million in standard operating costs such as utilities and books; and about $2,750,000 in building projects. The district expects about $16.25 million in expenses which is about a $4 million increase of last year's school year in expenses.

About two million of the shortfall will be covered by a 3 mil note loan, the district recently made for building projects to improve the district.

Although the new fiscal year begins July 1,the district has until Aug. 15 to adopt its budget and possibly request a tax increase. The district can request up to a 4 percent increase from the Choctaw Board of Supervisors. Supervisors must grant the request since the district is well below the state cap of 54 percent millage since it stands at about 33 mills.

Amos and many educators blame the state legislature for the shortfalls and need for a tax increase.

"The state mandated many things it did not fund," said Amos. "If you look at education and other things the local areas are being asked to pickup more and more of the cost."

Although the district is facing a shortfall, the district will continue to improve according to Amos.

"We have not changed our long range plans we have a vision to improve this school district," said Amos. "We will be applying for more grants and grants which may help us rehire some of the assistants and do more things to improve our schools," added Amos.

In other business following the budget hearing, the board:

€ approved recommended personnel by Dr. Amos which include several staff changes or changing of staff duties in all schools.

€ give permission to Glen Blaine to work with the Choctaw County Supervisors to improve the bus and traffic flow plan around Ackerman Elementary School.

€ tabled discussion of the handbook changes until the June 28 Choctaw Board of Education meeting.

€ accepted the resignation of Derrick Wilson teacher and coach for Ackerman High School.

€ approved attendance of mandatory summer conferences for several teachers. The board noted the its appreciation for all teachers willingness to attend summer conferences and improve their skills.