ALBANY, GA -
Dougherty County school leaders hope a better budget outlook will reduce furlough days next school year.
Thanks the thrifty spending, the system has a budget surplus right now, and they don't expect major state funding cuts this year.
But they're still looking for ways to save money. That may even mean looking at closing some schools.
School officials believe that savings can go, and expect through the end of the school year to be tough on purchase orders and other requests to find the most savings they can.
"It seems to be a neutral budget this year at first sight but there's still the austerity line in there of $1.2 billion in education. Our share of that is about $12 million of funds we should be getting and aren't," said DCSS Exec. Director of Finance, Robert Lloyd.
With equalization grants only funded at 66 percent, and the tax digest not showing significant signs of improvement it will be another lean year, but there's some good news, Pre-K teachers could get another seven days of state funding and so far the system's under spent $1.2 million in the current budget year, by keeping staffing levels lean.
"We monitor staffing levels very closely, we staff at the minimum guidelines set by, the Department of education and we have a waiver on class sizes of up to three students," said Lloyd.
That's important as the system and board members look at a new budget and the potential for even more cuts.
"I really do think we need to think in terms of consolidating some schools, consolidating some programs if we're serious about keeping our teachers in the classrooms every day that we can," said DCSS Board Member Darrel Ealum.
Board member Darrel Ealum met with Superintendent Dr. Joshua Murfree today and was told when it comes to reductions in next year's budget, everything is on the table.
"I feel that he's serious, I believe that we're going to see some changes in concepts and in the way we go forward and some staff positions, and some schools and some consolidation programs that we haven't seen in Dougherty County in a long time," Ealum said.
State funding accounts for nearly 47% of what the school system receives, and 90% of the cost for the Dougherty County School System is salaries.
Another item that could have an affect on the schools system's budget is a proposed change to how charter schools are set up. If passed the new legislation wouldn't require approval of the local board and that charter school could demand tax dollars from the school system.
School officials must pass a balanced budget by June 30th. Last year's 10 furlough days saved the system $6 million.
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DCSS Exec. Director of Finance Robert Lloyd
