(Breaking news) School budget situation becomes more grim

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009

Due to a possible "worst case scenario" $7.3 million budget deficit, Calvert County Superintendent of Schools Jack Smith announced at Thursday's board of education meeting that 132 teaching positions, 25.5 support staff positions and 11 administrative or supervisory positions may need to be cut for the 2010 fiscal year.

Board of education member Tracy McGuire asked if it was "reasonable to suggest that attrition and retirement could solve this problem?"

"Not to this level," Smith answered, saying "people don't feel the mobility they used to."

"I don't see many folks retiring now; two years ago [they might]. It's tough," said board member Bill Chambers.

The projected $7.3 million deficit increased from the $5.7 million predicted at the Jan. 22 board meeting due in part to a projected decrease in Geographic Cost of Education Index or GCEI fund, which provides more aid to counties where the cost of education is higher.

Smith also made it clear at the meeting that no extra curricular programs would be cut from the school system.

"I could not do that in good conscience. You're saving a very small amount of money and you're cutting a tremendous benefit to students and their families," Smith said.

He also stated that himself, Deputy Superintendent Robin Welsh, Assistant Superintendent of Administration Jeff Walker and Executive Director of School Operations Deborah Pulley "will refuse any salary increase for 2010."

Smith told the board that he requested an extension until the end of March to present the budget to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and has written to the county government "asking for their cooperation in closing this gap" with additional funding.

He said he is still "hoping for attrition and minor cuts," though he plans to be discussing the situation with principals and directors within the school system.

"None of these decisions [as to who would be cut] have been made. None," Smith said.

"I hate to end with such grim news, but it isn't different news from any we're hearing today," Smith said at the conclusion of the presentation.

Board President Eugene Karol offered his opinion at the end of the meeting saying, "I have never seen a situation as bleak and serious as I have now, across the county and all across the United States."

Smith expects to present the balanced budget to the board on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Brooks Administration Building in Prince Frederick.

lbuck@somdnews.com