School board delays budget, ponders $32 million shortfall

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

The Fulton County Board of Education is waiting a little longer before it approves a budget for this year.

When it does, it will have to deal with a $32 million shortfall, and decide whether to fund a 4.5 percent salary increase being pushed by the governor.

The board cancelled a meeting last night at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School. Planned purpose of the meeting was to approve millage rates for fiscal year 2002, adopt salary schedules, and adopt the tentative budget for the 2001-2002 school year.

Action on those items now will be taken at the board's legislative session May 10 at 7 p.m., at Dunwoody Springs Elementary, 8100 Roberts Drive.

This year's first look at the budget is $612 million, which includes the cost of the desired improvements and the governor's suggested 4.5 percent salary increase.

But expected revenues are expected to generate only $590 million, which leaves the budget with a $32 million shortfall.

Fulton officials are now taking suggestions from the board as to which of the $32 million in improvements they feel are most critical for next year.

Fulton officials said staff may reduce suggested allocations for or eliminate improvements all together during the budget balancing process.

The board also will consider whether to approve a budget with the 4.5 percent salary increase for system employees.

By law, the school system must conduct a public hearing before approving a budget with less than the 4.5 percent state salary increase suggested by the governor.

There is no word on what will ultimately be proposed.

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