Manatee County Schools Budget Cuts

By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

School Board members learned Tuesday that the district could get hit with another 2-percent cut this year, meaning the loss of an additional $4.5 million, since revenue projections fell short of earlier projections.

Leon County Superintendent Jackie Pons said he was shocked after sitting in on a statewide conference call earlier Tuesday and hearing that Florida is facing more than a $700-million shortfall. And while his staff has spent months identifying $12 million in cuts for the 2009-2010 school year, he said this new round of cuts was a curveball he didn´t see coming.

“We´re having to look at everything again,” Pons said, adding that this is what could occur as the budget is being reviewed.

Attending the meeting were several parents who had come out to voice their concern over the possibility of the district´s Academic Resource Center closing.

Gasps and looks of concern came over many of parents after hearing the latest budget news from Pons. And while many of them say they don´t envy the School Board´s task ahead, they still wanted to record their support for the center´s continued operation. The school, located on Appleyard Drive, serves gifted students throughout the district. It´s been identified as a possible casualty if some operations have to shut down because of the budget. Closing the center could save the district $400,000.

Nearly 13 parents spoke before the board. Many of them were concerned that the district is considering the closure without a solid plan on how to serve gifted children at their schools, especially schools that don´t have teachers trained to teach them.

“The majority of people don´t care if the ARC stays open because it doesn´t affect them,” said Lori O´Donnell, who´s son attends Holy Comforter Episcopal School. “To us, it seems like they are looking at money to cut without looking at the long term.”

The ARC serves nearly 260 students who are home-schooled or who attend private and public schools.

School Board members were sympathetic, but they also said they couldn´t ignore the budget woes they´re facing.

“This board, ladies and gentleman, doesn´t want to make these cuts that we are going to have to make,” Board member Dee Crumpler said. “We are simply the ones who have to be the bearer of bad news.”

While many parents shared their concerns, they also shared some potential solutions. For instance, students could attend the center every other week and provide their own transportation.

Pons said a task force has been created so district officials can hear more potential solutions. But at this point, he said a plan has not been finalized on how to ensure all gifted children throughout the district receive the same level of service.

Many parents stood in the lobby after hearing from the board and district administrators. Some were comforted by why they heard, and other parents left with an uncomfortable sense of uncertainty.

“I think they are committed to the services, but I think it´s reckless to cut without a plan in place,” said Nicole Smith, who´s willing to transport her son.

But parents Susan Manson were happy they came to the meeting.

“I think they have expressed that they are equally upset,” Manson said. “I get the sense they do understand ... I feel better having met with the board members.”

Top of Page