Local schools cutting spending

As the economic downturn continues Orange County's school districts are limiting spending to prepare for potential budget cuts.

Although other state agencies have faced state-mandated budget cuts of about 3 percent public K-12 education has so far been exempted.

But Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools could still face cuts in the future and are taking steps to reduce costs now.

Officials at both districts said they are planning for a 2 percent to 3 percent reduction in state funding in the spring. Chapel Hill currently receives $61 million while Orange County gets around $39 million.

To prepare for this possible cut both districts have begun minimizing costs wherever possible" from energy bills to substitute teachers.

""We have asked our leadership to be conservative in supplies" equipment and travel" said Stephanie Knott, spokeswoman for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

Knott said superintendent Neil Pedersen would continue to promote an existing program aimed at curbing electricity use to cut costs.

She also stressed that the district was focusing on minimizing costs rather than making broad cuts.

Dr. Pedersen has been referring to this as a scalpel approach rather than a meat cleaver" Knott said.

Orange County Schools began reviewing its budget in the summer.

We started early since we felt this would be a significant economic downturn" said Michael Gilbert, public information officer for Orange County Schools.

The state is looking at a significant reduction in tax revenues.""

Along with cutting spending on supplies" equipment and substitutes both districts are emphasizing reducing fuel costs by cutting out-of-state travel.

Orange County is looking into limiting field trips Gilbert said.

Both districts are also trying to create breathing room by combining nonteaching positions to streamline the payroll.

Eighty-four percent of Orange County Schools' budget is dedicated to paying salaries and benefits.

All cost-cutting efforts are designed to minimize effects on students" Gilbert said

""We are taking every step possible to limit impact on instruction" he said.

So far efforts have proved effective to an extent.

We have not had to cut back on staff and personnel" said Roy Winslow, principal at Orange High School. We don't want to cut back there to avoid impacting the students.""

Still"" Orange High has felt the effects of budget reductions.

""We look at every way to pinch the dollar" Winslow said. We do the same thing you do at your house" you establish wants and needs.""   



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