School districts adjusting for spending cuts

Staff Writer

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Local school districts are facing tough times with current spending cuts.

School officials said they have plans for how they will accommodate for cutbacks from the recent special session held by the state Legislature, but what remains a mystery is the amount of cuts that will be made during the January regular session.

Clovis Schools Superintendent Jody Balch said he expects $880,000 in cuts but does not anticipate cutting back on personnel.

Balch said the district has $10.6 million in cash reserves, should it have to be used to make up for cuts. Balch added he hopes that is not the case and hopes the funds will remain after the January session.

“We’re proceeding on with our business,” said Balch. “We’re already as lean as we can be with our personnel. We’re following our mandate for class loads.”

Portales Schools Superintendent Johnnie Cain said he is anticipating over $314,000 in short-term cuts.

“It’s not going to affect how we do business,” said Cain. “My intent is not to cut any services or programs from the school.”

Cain said the district is looking into utility costs and finding ways to save on energy costs.

Furthermore, Cain said the district saved money for the current fiscal year by not refilling vacant positions.

“It’s a tough situation for us and the state, but we’ve gone through it in the past and we’ll get through it again,” said Cain.

While Cain said he is optimistic on how the district will make up current cuts, the legislative session set for January may change circumstances.

“We’re hoping that they’ll leave education alone,” said Cain. “I’ve got to wait and see.”

Dora Schools Business Manager Gowan Hays said Dora is expecting $42,632 in current cuts.

Hays said he cannot comment on how the district is managing cuts specifically. However, he added the district is hoping to keep cuts away from classroom and instruction.

“We’re looking at other areas where we can sustain some of those cuts,” said Hays. “Maybe not spend as much on maintenance, keep it from hurting the students so much.”

Floyd Schools Superintendent Damon Terry said his district is already seeing dramatic effects from the budget cuts.

“Short-term-wise, we’re looking at cutting professional development,” said Terry. “That’s the immediate impact on funding. On the negative side, these are great opportunities for teachers.”

Travel for teachers has already been cut, said Terry.

“We’re in a tough spot, because we have contracts for teachers and staff,” said Terry. “I’d hate to cut anything in the middle of the year.”

Terry said he cannot give an exact number on cuts until the numbers are finalized in December.

Terry said he is worried about what might happen during the January session. If cuts are bad enough, he said faculty might be impacted.

“I don’t see that today, but come March or April, we might have a different story,” said Terry.