Pauls Valley — Even though some cuts are sure to come soon for Pauls Valley's school budget there appears to a bit more optimism these days.
Like all other school superintendents in Oklahoma, PV's Bobby Russell is awaiting what action will be ultimately be taken by state lawmakers when it comes to the funding for schools during both the current term and upcoming 2010-2011 year.
Despite the wait he is seeing signs those cuts might not be as bad as originally thought. The reason — proposals being considered by legislators right now could keep any budget decreases for schools at a lower level than expected only weeks ago.
“The budget cuts may be around 3 percent compared to the 7 1/2 percent that was anticipated,” Russell said.
He's quick to add no final decisions about local cuts can be made until the Legislature finalizes its action.
“I will not be doing any recommendation for anything to do with the budget,” he said this week.
“I'll probably start looking at those things next month.”
It was back in early January when Russell projected about $384,000 less in funding for the current fiscal year. At that time he was also guessing the local school district might have to reduce expenses by as much as $800,000 next year.
Also on the bright side is the current status of the number of local teaching positions that might need to be cut.
It was several weeks ago when Russell announced a decreased budget could result in the loss of seven to 10 teachers for the 2010-2011 school year, which officially begins in July.
All indications now are the number of teachers planning to retire or relocate are likely to account for most of the spots.
“It looks like retirement and attrition will account for all but maybe two of the personnel slots,” he said.
“We've got to June to notify teachers they aren't going to be rehired. Used to we had to do that by April 10.”
Russell added some cost cuts, such as a reduction of field trips, have already begun with several other measures being considered for next year.
Local News
Brighter news for school cuts
- Local News
-
-
It’s now official for county trust
A Garvin County trio made it official Monday by creating a brand new public trust authority designed to help area school districts after bond issues are OK’d by voters.
-
DNA findings put trial on hold
A jury trial will have to wait for one of five suspects accused of committing home invasions in two Garvin County cities back in the fall of 2010.
-
Retirement is full circle for Paoli principal
Throughout the history of any town, whether it is as big as Oklahoma City or in this case as small as Paoli, there are always natives remembered for going above and beyond the rest.
-
Delta to stuff bus for soldiers
As Memorial Day weekend is set to offer yet another chance to celebrate in the names of individuals who have sacrificed so much for America, Delta Public Transit has plans to help those whose service is either current or much more recent.
-
Swinging summer
-
Splash time for pool project
Hoping to make a big splash while thinking outside the box are a number of officials involved in the planning for an outdoor swimming pool facility in Pauls Valley.
-
End of School Honors
-
PVGH program more familiar patient care
While not all of the wounds have healed since the most difficult changes to Pauls Valley General Hospital via a control shift over to the St. Anthony Health System took place, some of the brighter days have already come from a new care position started on March 5.
-
Sides drawn in shooting case
A shooting earlier this week has one Pauls Valley man awaiting criminal charges for what some witnesses described as action done to protect others.
-
Disposal site protest now official
Now it’s wait and see time for a bunch of Pauls Valley area landowners who have completed a petition opposing a proposed oil field waste disposal site.
- More Local News Headlines
-
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
Parents Skeptical of FAMU Hazing Probe Statement
Md. 911 Dispatcher Caught Sleeping on Job
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Iowa Man With Zebra, Parrot in Truck Gets DUI
Egyptians Pick New President in Free Election
Secret Service Boss: 'I Apologize'
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
Sheriff: DNA Links Suspect to Missing CA Teen
