Putnam City Schools Discuss High School Schedule Change

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

PUTNAM CITY, Oklahoma -- The Putnam City School Board has to make some cost cutting decisions after districts were told to prepare for an additional 10 percent cut in state aid next year.

Putnam City schools are looking at a $4.7 million shortfall and next fiscal year it could be over $10 million. The district is calling for voluntary furloughs and early retirement buyouts, but now a new money saving proposal could go straight to the classroom.

There is discussion to change the high school day from a block schedule of four 90 minute classes per day to a seven-period day.

It hasn't been that way for over 10 years, but because of the budget shortfall, going back to a seven period day could bring the district a savings of $700,000 a year.

"Specifically it allows us to put coaches more into the academic day," said Putnam City School District spokesperson Steve Lindley said. "So as people retire, as there is attrition in the district, if we can fill some of those slots with coaches then that is again making better use of existing staff."

Oklahoma State School Boards Association Executive Director Dr. Jeff Mills is not surprised Putnam City is considering a schedule change.

"You can calculate in that a considerable savings depending on the size of your staff," said Dr. Mills.

The former superintendent has made the adjustment from a block schedule to a 7-day period day before because of financial reasons.

"It was a tough transition but we got through and I think people were relatively pleased with it," Dr. Mills said.

Now Putnam City school board members have to decide if the move is worth the savings.

"The sooner the better in terms of decision because there are a lot of challenges in changing things around," Lindley said.

The board is also eyeing changes to school bus routes. The next board meeting is Monday, March 8.