AROUND LEVY COUNTY 10 March27, 2008 Levy County Journal Economic woes lead to reduced education budget By Kellie Parkin Staff Writer "We are hearing a lot about change this political season," said Financial Manager Bob Clemons to the School Board of Levy County earlier this month. "After looking at these budget cuts, I think they're referring to the jingle in your pocket." Clemons' joke referred to a reduction in the Florida Education Finance Program that supplements locally raised tax dollars for public education and is being reduced given new state budget constraints. FEFP funds from the state are meant to give Florida students an equal educational playing field whether they live in wealthy areas or economically disadvantaged regions such as Levy County. This is the second funding cut from the state during the current academic year. The education budget for Levy County was cut by $630,000 last fall. The new cuts total approximately $530,000. Together the cuts amount to more than a million dollars taken from the current academic year budget, said Clemons. The funding cuts are a result of Florida's budgetary crisis. State lawmakers have already cut $269 million from education and have announced intentions of cutting another $265 million in an effort to balance the state budget. "We are as prepared as you could be for something like this. We have a healthy fund balance and have taken some measures to be prepared," said Clemons. SBLC set aside $3 million in a contingency fund for this academic year. Even with the two recent cuts the district budget shows a net increase of $2.1 million dollars, or five percent, over academic year 2006-2007 for state funding. This year's budget for Levy County totals $69,065,674 million. Property taxes account for approximately $13 million, grants account for $2 million, and state and federal funding provide the balance. Like the rest of the United States, Florida's tax revenues have been plagued by a sagging U.S. economy due to gasoline prices, a faltering housing market with a high rate of foreclosures and deficit spending. The economic slowdown affects this year's educational budget and may have more influence over educational funds in academic year 2008-2009. "Next year's budget is going to be even worse," said retiring district Superintendent Cliff Norris. "We need to look at the long term and take measures now to be prepared for shortfalls in next year's budget." Of special concern is the future price of gasoline, said Norris. Most Levy County students ride the bus to school. Whereas the state of Florida spends roughly a quarter of a billion dollars each year for books and supplies, it spends twice as much nearly one half a billion to transport students to and from school, according to financial records. Levy County has budgeted $2 million for transportation this year. "With the price of gasoline, less parents are driving their children to school," Clemons said in an interview Monday. Bus usage is rising, he said. SLB C has already begun taking steps to prepare for future state shortfalls, eliminating - field trip funds amounting to $20,000, slashing athletic facilities improvements by $30,000 and shrinking summer school programs for multiply-handicapped students as well as at-risk third-grade reading students for savings estimated at $25,000. The educational budget depends upon state financial aid and decisions made by the 2008 Legislature. "After the first week in May we'll know where we are," said Superintendent Norris. "Tri County's Premier Plumbing Contractor" ~~~~Cmlt L. I1J. ~(UinI~e o Pumbig ixtre Salad luncheon thrills dozens Vice President Leslie Dasch, Secretary Elizabeth Weimer and member Carol Karsner present door prizes at the Education Salad Luncheon held March 19 at the Yankeetown-Inglis Woman's Club. The diligent efforts of Co-chairwomen Sharon Petrovich and Mary Kay Merchant and many other Club members, the Luncheon generated more than $800 for Yankeetown School. More than 90 attendees enjoyed more than 30 salads and almost half received one of over 40 door prizes.donated by local businesses. Local artist Dot Cason donated an original oil painting to raffle and it was won by Barbara Roberts of Inglis. Quilters Helen Siegel, a Club member, and Beverly Giddings of Crystal River donated a hand quilted "Kind Hearts Mend Fences" which was won by Ethel D'Ascanio of New Port Richey. A large group of Red Hat Ladies from Brooksville, Friends of the A.F. Knotts Library, Creative Quilters, and other individuals helped support the event. 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