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With a poor economic climate and declining state revenues, those in the education community are preparing for budget cuts next year.
However members of the Grain Valley Board of Education would like a realistic budget picture from the state as they begin to prepare the 2010-11 budget for the Grain Valley district.
“It would be nice if they (the state of Missouri) could give us a realistic budget, even if there are cuts made to us,” said board of education member Phil Hutchinson at the Grain Valley board meeting Thursday.
“That would at least prepare us as we are doing our budget. It would just be nice if they could tell us what they are doing and what is happening.”
Discussions centered on the state budget picture and specifically proposed cuts to 2010 summer school program. Superintendent Roy Moss said funding is still in place for the program. However, he said if Gov. Jay Nixon makes the decision to cut funding as late as the end of May, his recommendation would be to cancel the program.
“Right now, we are preparing for summer school,” he said.
“But if the funds go away, then I believe we should cancel it. If we do not, it would mean $300,000 out of our pockets to have it. Money that would not be reimbursed by the state.”
Moss said with 2010 being an election year, he does not believe the Missouri General Assembly will take any action on the budget before May 14, which is when the legislature adjourns for the year. He said in that case, it will be up to Nixon to present a balanced budget.
“There are a lot of people who do not want to create negative thoughts prior to the election,” he said. “I think they will leave the session without making a lot of decision that could be perceived as detrimental to them.”
With a poor economic climate and declining state revenues, those in the education community are preparing for budget cuts next year.
However members of the Grain Valley Board of Education would like a realistic budget picture from the state as they begin to prepare the 2010-11 budget for the Grain Valley district.
“It would be nice if they (the state of Missouri) could give us a realistic budget, even if there are cuts made to us,” said board of education member Phil Hutchinson at the Grain Valley board meeting Thursday.
“That would at least prepare us as we are doing our budget. It would just be nice if they could tell us what they are doing and what is happening.”
Discussions centered on the state budget picture and specifically proposed cuts to 2010 summer school program. Superintendent Roy Moss said funding is still in place for the program. However, he said if Gov. Jay Nixon makes the decision to cut funding as late as the end of May, his recommendation would be to cancel the program.
“Right now, we are preparing for summer school,” he said.
“But if the funds go away, then I believe we should cancel it. If we do not, it would mean $300,000 out of our pockets to have it. Money that would not be reimbursed by the state.”
Moss said with 2010 being an election year, he does not believe the Missouri General Assembly will take any action on the budget before May 14, which is when the legislature adjourns for the year. He said in that case, it will be up to Nixon to present a balanced budget.
“There are a lot of people who do not want to create negative thoughts prior to the election,” he said. “I think they will leave the session without making a lot of decision that could be perceived as detrimental to them.”
