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.
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