Mon, Dec 01 2008
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Published August 19, 2008 02:15 pm - Deficit forecast for Fort Gibson Schools By Wendy Burton Times Correspondent A $300,000 deficit is forecast for Fort Gibson Public Schools for the school year just begun, Derald Glover, superintendent, said. The projected deficit is largely caused by step increases to teachers and escalating fuel and utility costs, Glover said. The school board discussed the issue at its meeting Aug. 11. “We don't have to panic,” Glover said. “We also have a $900,000 carryover coming into the school year.” The carryover is a fund balance the school uses as a safety net to begin each school year, according to the superintendent. If things stay the way they are, he said, then the schools would only have a $600,000 carryover to begin with next year. “We can’t keep operating like that,” Glover said. Some changes are already in place, such as participating in an energy education program that provided training for staff member George Kunsman, to ensure utilities are run efficiently, Glover said. The schools saved $70,000 each of the last two years on utility costs. Additionally, the board decided to table all out-of-town trip requests for staff conferences unless grants provide the funds. Finally, school lunches and breakfasts increased due to rising food costs. All high school and middle school meals and elementary lunches increased 25 cents. Elementary breakfast rose 15 cents. Glover said approximately 43 percent of students participate in the reduced or free lunch program. Despite funding concerns, the board did approve hiring several new staff members: an art teacher, part-time music teacher, speech pathologist and teacher's aide. A school nurse is still needed, and the board is looking at whether there is a need for another special education paraprofessional. “We're pleased with additions we made, but still concerned about finances,” Glover said. 
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