Friday, May 13, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | School system adopts tentative budget By JOHN THOMPSON The Coweta County Board of Education took the first steps Tuesday night toward approving its 2006 budget. adopted a tentative school system budget for fiscal year 2005-06, projecting an $8.2 million increase in general operations for the school system. According to public information officer Dean Jackson in a news release this week, the board adopted a tentative budget that calls for $8.2 million more in spending than the last year. The $135.8 million general fund budget calls for no increase in millage rates on property taxes next year. The Board of education is expected to give final approval at its June 14 meeting. Jackson said the $8.2 million increase over last years budget is a reflection of growth in the school system, restoration of some of the cuts in last years budget, and other factors. The increases include: A $6 million increase in instructional salaries and benefits, which includes a state-approved two percent cost of living Increase to certified teachers and salary step increases to teachers. A two-percent cost of living raise to other school system employees, funded by the local system, to match certified teacher raises. $932,000 cut last year when textbook funding was cut last year, restored in this years budget. $150,000 extra budgeted for diesel fuel to reflect rising fuel costs $330,000 extra budgeted for other energy costs (natural gas, electricity, etc) to reflect rises in those costs. Superintendent Blake Bass pointed out that the budget does not include a raise for Central Office employees. Several other cuts or budget freezes made in last years budget or over the last year also remain in effect for this years budget. Jackson added the budget increase is funded by a projected 4.7 percent growth increase in the tax base (reflecting local construction and growth) and by budgeting $3,033,540 in the school systems reserve fund. The school system has a reserve fund of $8.5 million, not including funds set aside for unemployment insurance, workers compensation, and the self-funded After-School program. Jackson said board member Mike Sumner thanked system staff for avoiding the use of reserves during this year, and said that the school system is fortunate to have some reserves to fall back on in difficult budget years. There are some systems that do not, and who are having to cut programs or employees more drastically. Board Chairman Mitch Powell said that he and other Board members have been told that state austerity cuts may continue through the next two fiscal years. He also noted that the Coweta County School System would have to bear the cost of opening both the Bobby Welch Elementary School and Lee Middle School in the following fiscal year (2006-07)
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