Published: May 13, 2008 11:36 am            

Budget shortfall looms for city schools

McAlester Public Schools could face a budget shortfall of nearly $1 million for the next school year.

“It looks like we’re going to lose at least $700,000 in state funding next year,” MPS Supt. Jim Northcutt said, referring to the main topic of conversation at Monday night’s school board meeting.

“That means our budget is going to be real tight and we’ll have to be careful with how we spend our money. Eighty-seven percent of our budget is personnel and it’s difficult to cut the budget without cutting personnel.

“This shortfall is a direct result of tax cuts in the state. If people want the schools to stay open, they’re going to have to pay for them. The state of Oklahoma should fund schools on a proper basis.

“Nationwide, $9,000 is spent per student, but in Oklahoma that number is a little over $6,000. That’s quite a difference.”

When asked if bus routes might be cut back, like some schools in the state are doing, Northcutt said it was not likely.

“The reality is, people in this state get a real bargain in education, but they’ve got to fund it,” the superintendent said.

Also considered during Monday’s meeting were two roofs. “We’re going to re-look at the roof at Puterbaugh,” Northcutt said. “We’re going to remove the old heat and air units up there that are not being used and look at the roof drains. We’re going to do that on the recommendation of our architect. It was recommended that we do that before we go out for bids.

“And at the Payne Learning Center, we’re going to do things a little differently. Only part of the roof looks like it needs to be repaired, so we’ll re-evaluate it also.”

The following certified personnel resignations were accepted Monday: Misty Edison, Becky Evans, Jon Freeman, Amanda Karch, Peggy Lindley, Tonna LoVette and Ron Vickers.

The following certified personnel was hired for the 2008-2009 school year: Rachael Bernardi, Nicholas Claborn, Samantha DeGiacomo, Ashlee Edwards, Brooke Kennedy, Jennifer Lewis, Jamie Price, Dennis Rodda and Tiffani Sutterfield.

The following non-certified professional staff was hired for the upcoming school year: John Baucom, Danny Giacomo, Clyde Heathcock, Jerald Hillhouse, Billie Sistrunk, Michelle Tindle, Hank Traut and Debbie Watkins.

Dana Parker was hired as the child nutrition director. Vanessa Cummings was re-assigned from adult education director to principal at William Gay Early Childhood Center. Randy Hughes was hired as the principal for McAlester High School for 2008-2009.

The hiring of a head varsity boys basketball coach was tabled.

Visitors for the meeting were the senior honor students.

Also, the superintendent talked about Monday’s award ceremony, in which more than $2 million were awarded in scholarships.

Contact Susan Brittingham at 421-2029 or e-mail sbrittingham@mcalesternews.com.

        

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