Although the Manatee County School District has already cut $44 million from its annual operating budget over the last two school years, the district is expecting an additional cut of $6 million to $15 million for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, according to the district´s finance deparment. This additional budget cut is the result of reduced state sales tax collections and decreasing property tax values; as well as potential costs increases in Florida Retirement premiums, health insurance premiums, step increases for employees, and unemployment costs.

Florida´s state legislature is scheduled to meet from Tuesday, March 2, 2010 to Friday, April 30, 2010. The state budget developed during that legislative session will ultimately determine the depth and scope of budget cuts in the Manatee School District.