School board begins budget process

More money won't eliminate cuts

By Martin Ricard
Diversity Institute Fellow

03.14.06

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The Metro school board got its first look Tuesday at a $556 million budget proposal for next year that includes additional funding but also would require some cuts.

The proposed budget estimates that Metro schools could expect a $14 million boost from the city and state in 2006-07. With that extra help, the district is planning to implement more programs, add new schools and provide more benefits for its employees.

But the district also is looking for ways to jettison programs it deems unnecessary because the proposed budget calls for about $7 million in cuts. Initial suggestions include laying off about 100 custodians and cutting back on district-wide technology expenses.

"The whole intent is to try to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible," said board member George H. Thompson III. "But cuts have to be made somewhere."

Board members got a glance at who will benefit and who miss out if the proposed budget is approved in its present form during a presentation by Assistant Superintendent Chris Henson.

A final decision on the budget is weeks away, but board members said that they are confident they will be able to meet the needs of schools next year and not sacrifice quality

"I think the staff has done a good job to preserve as much as possible," said board member Ed Kindall.

Some parents attending Tuesday's meeting said the district needs to preserve funding for programs that typically are targeted for cuts when budgets get tight.

Although arts programs are not yet on the chopping block, Amy Phillips exhorted the board to protect school-wide music and arts programs.

When the board has proposed cuts to arts programs in the past, Phillips said, she saw it as a threat to her children's learning experience, and she doesn't want to see that happen again.

"These programs aren't optional for people like us," Phillips said.

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