Schools see stormy finances ahead
By Barry H. Hendrix Contributing Writer

The Thomasville Board of Education discussed shortfalls in funding at a work session April 17 in the Thomasville High School library.

The fiscal year 2007 budget saw losses due to lack of taxes from Boise ($277,000) and an unexpected refund to the local Revenue Commissioner ($107,696).

For FY 2008, the total loss of Boise tax grew to $1,806,800. For FY 2009, the Thomasville system is expected to take a hit of $400,000 in reduced state funding. The wrangling in the state legislature over funding for either K- 12 or higher education might bring more reduction in state funding. Thomasville School Superintendent Vic Adkison wants the funding to stay at least at 69 percent for K-12, which he said serves 77 percent of student enrollment in the state.

The increase in fuel costs and no settlement to the Boise tax issue also causes more concern.

The board of education has committed to the state to keep a one-month general fund balance in reserve. However, Adkison said that would mean finding $1 million in savings from the FY 2009 budget.

In addition, it is likely that the eventual Boise revenue will be reduced due to a settlement of the tax issue. One hopeful sign will be the tax revenue that will come from the new Louisiana Pacific mill.

"Most of our money is tied up in personnel," he said. "It's been our commitment through attrition to try to make those decreases.

"We can't say right now that we're not going to look at some reductions in force, but we're going to try to reduce with attrition first. We're going to protect classroom instruction as much as possible.

"…We've made some adjustments already in some of the funding sources that has lessened our burden," he said.

"…We're going to do what's best for children."

In action from the regular board meeting April 17, the board approved the calendar for the 2008-2009 school year. The first day for students is August 7. Christmas holidays will be held from Dec. 22, 2008 to Jan. 6, 2009, when the students return. Spring Break will be held March 23-27. Graduation is planned for May 22.

• Payroll for March was $927,116.94, and accounts payable totaled $204,089.28.

• The following resignations were approved:

Janet Anderson, a teacher at Thomasville Elementary School, effective May 26;

Connie Rice, a teacher at TES, effective June 1;

Janis Switzer, a library aide at TES, effective May 26.

• The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on May 8.

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