A cash cushion of more than $6 million for the Fayette County School System?

You read that right: State funding cuts, furloughs and decreased salaries notwithstanding, the Fayette County School System is in better shape financially this year than many expected.

Still, further anticipated state funding cuts could significantly reduce or negate what today is a projected $1.856 million surplus by June 30.

The financial report by Comptroller Laura Brock at the Monday school board meeting showed that, assuming that other variables such as future state budget cuts do not come into play, the school system would show a budget surplus of $1.856 million at the end of the FY 2009-2010 on June 30.

Combined with a fund balance of $4.509 million on July 1 the projected fund balance at the end of the fiscal year would be $6.366 million.

In terms of expenditures, the school system currently sits at a projected $180.202 million for the year. This compares to the budgeted total of $185.497 million, a difference of $5.294 million. Brock’s figures showed that approximately $1 million in savings will come from remaining staff furloughs.

School systems across Georgia are anticipating further state cuts in funding that essentially mirror the timeframe of the recession.