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SCCPSS Proposed Cuts: 39 Jobs & $20 Million
Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 06:00 PM Updated: 06:19 PM
Photo By: Jim Jensen
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We've all been tightening our purse straps at home because of rising gas prices, grocery prices and other reasons and now the Savannah Chatham County School district will do the same.
At today's informal meeting, superintendent, Dr. Thomas Lockamy, proposed cutting 39 positions and saving $20.470 million dollars. The list of cuts also includes cutting the STAR program, CRCT Camp, the back to school showcase. The list of 59 cuts also includes reducing transportation and alternative site busing. Satellite pick-up for the specialty programs is on the list of reductions read by Larry Jackson, who"s been working on the budget.
Dr. Lockamy says he asked everyone in all departments to look at where they could make cuts that wouldn't affect the students' learning. He said that people in eliminated positions who qualify for other open positions will be considered first.
Transportation will see some cuts if the list of reductions passes. New buses will not be purchased next year. Chief Operations Officer Otis Brock says the district can go a year without new buses because they purchased 70 new buses in the past 2 years and because First Student is maintaining the buses well.
"Under the recommended general fund budget, transportation will see additional cuts -- no buses being purchased next year and the reduction of transportation for specialty programs and alternative sites. It's only a proposal now, but it would mean dropping students off at satellite locations," says Brock.
Dr. Joe Buck, school board president says that they hate to do this, but that the district is facing tough times and will face even tougher times next year and the year after.
Dr. Lockamy says there will be a public hearing on the budget on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30. The board will vote on the budget in June.
Click here for a list of specific items on the reductions list. (pdf file)
At today's informal meeting, superintendent, Dr. Thomas Lockamy, proposed cutting 39 positions and saving $20.470 million dollars. The list of cuts also includes cutting the STAR program, CRCT Camp, the back to school showcase. The list of 59 cuts also includes reducing transportation and alternative site busing. Satellite pick-up for the specialty programs is on the list of reductions read by Larry Jackson, who"s been working on the budget.
Dr. Lockamy says he asked everyone in all departments to look at where they could make cuts that wouldn't affect the students' learning. He said that people in eliminated positions who qualify for other open positions will be considered first.
Transportation will see some cuts if the list of reductions passes. New buses will not be purchased next year. Chief Operations Officer Otis Brock says the district can go a year without new buses because they purchased 70 new buses in the past 2 years and because First Student is maintaining the buses well.
"Under the recommended general fund budget, transportation will see additional cuts -- no buses being purchased next year and the reduction of transportation for specialty programs and alternative sites. It's only a proposal now, but it would mean dropping students off at satellite locations," says Brock.
Dr. Joe Buck, school board president says that they hate to do this, but that the district is facing tough times and will face even tougher times next year and the year after.
Dr. Lockamy says there will be a public hearing on the budget on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30. The board will vote on the budget in June.
Click here for a list of specific items on the reductions list. (pdf file)