Seminole schools expect hefty budget cuts

Dave Weber | Sentinel Staff Writer
April 20, 2009

SANFORD - Although state lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist say there's plenty of money to run public schools in the fall, Seminole County school officials say their district may face a $35 million shortfall.

In an Orlando stop last week, Crist said there's no need to close schools, as Orange County has been discussing — or to lay off teachers, as nearly every district in the state plans. The Legislature says its scheme for education funding doesn't include any drastic cuts.

But Seminole officials say the state is counting on federal bailout money that isn't assured, has failed to figure in sharp funding cuts it made at midyear and has ignored rising expenses, declining student enrollment and other factors that will cost districts money.

As a result, the School Board is sharpening its budget ax and Tuesday will be taking whacks at its $459 million spending plan for next school year. ...
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