The Habersham County Board of Education will meet tonight to further discuss how to handle a projected massive loss in revenue due to anticipated state budget cuts next year.
During the board’s work session on May 7, Superintendent Matthew Cooper reported that the Habersham County School System expects a 14% cut in state funding for Fiscal Year 2021. Chief Financial Officer Staci Newsome says that would amount to approximately $7 million. That amount is enough to pay the salary and benefits for 113 first-year teachers or all of the operating costs for the system and its fourteen schools.
Cooper told the board during its work session his primary goal is to avoid layoffs. He then presented a plan for overcoming the anticipated $7 million shortfall using five strategies:
1) Use reserve funds.
2) Absorb vacant positions. This would be accomplished through retirements and/or resignations and would not impact the job of any current employees.
3) Cut system operating costs by half a million dollars. School operating funds would not be affected.
4) Use federal CARES Act funds to offset the state cut.
5) Consider implementing reduced workdays for all system employees. One reduced workday will save Habersham County schools and the school system approximately
$300,000.
Cooper says reduced workdays must be included with the other strategies to accomplish the goal of preserving the jobs of all employees in the school system.
Board members are expected to address the school system’s financial situation during a virtual meeting tonight at 6.
During that meeting, the board also will recognize members of the Class of 2020 who are joining the military. A special graduation ceremony is planned for them since they won’t be able to attend the county’s delayed graduation on July 31.
To view tonight’s meeting, go to the Habersham County Schools website at http://www.habershamschools.com and click on the meeting link on the home page.
