School district faces 4 percent budget cutback

"Our biggest focus is that we absolutely refuse to let an employee lose their job or put ourselves in a situation where we have to furlough any employee." Dr. Bill James — Superintendent Cherokee County schools could call the latest news a case of the disappearing budget.

School trustees approved a $61.7 million budget last summer. Since the spending plan took effect in July, state budget cuts and the county's decision to delay property reassessments have cost the district a total of $2,460,204 in revenue.

The state Budget and Control Board will meet Thursday to discuss additional cutbacks for school districts and state agencies. The financial losses come during what might be termed a perfect fiscal storm, created by the convergence of property tax reform, legislative overspending on new programs and falling tax collections.

Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James painted a bleak picture of the school district's finances at Monday's school board meeting.

He predicts the district could see as much as a 4 percent budget cut later this week and additional cutbacks in the spring.

"We don't think this will be the last cut," James said. "We could see another budget cut in March."

James said the district is doing everything possible to avoid layoffs and furloughs of school employees.

"Our biggest focus is that we absolutely refuse to let an employee lose their job or put ourselves in a situation where we have to furlough any employee," James said. "We are one of the county's largest employers. We have got to keep people working right now."

The Cherokee County School District is one of the few districts statewide that did not deplete their savings in dealing with budget cuts this fall.

The district has $4.9 million in reserve and was able to carry over $1.7 million that went unspent in last year's budget, giving it $6.6 million in additional funds when the new fiscal year started in July.

District figures show it takes $6 million per month for the district to meet all financial commitments.

"We are going to do our best to not spend any money from reserves," James said. "This will allow us to have this money available to run the district for a month if it were to become necessary."

Cost-saving measures include leaving district positions unfilled, the elimination of all nonessential travel, reducing school utility bills and looking for ways to save on transportation costs.

For example, district transportation director Herman Thompson was able to save the district $30,000 in a state review of school bus drivers' travel logs.

The district spent $10,000 in overtime for school bus drivers last year. James said overtime pay has been reduced to almost zero this school year.

"We have enough fuel for athletic events and heat for buildings," James said. "We are just going to watch every dime we spend. If it makes the difference in saving one job, then it's worth it."