Schools Report Big Cuts in Online Survey

The State Board of Education asked all schools in Oklahoma to fill out an online survey about budget concerns last fall. Officials released the results of that survey Tuesday and many districts reported dismal results.

Tuesday, January 12th 2010, 10:21 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The State Board of Education asked all schools in Oklahoma to fill out an online survey about budget concerns last fall. Officials released the results of that survey Tuesday and many districts reported dismal results.

"We think the results are understated because the survey was conducted in the fall when schools were only absorbing 5 percent budget cuts, instead of 10," said Shelly Hickman, Public Affairs Director.

Still, the answers Oklahoma school leaders gave in the survey speak volumes about the situation.

Five hundred twenty-four out of 532 school districts participated in the survey. Under just 5 percent cuts, one district reported, "Currently, I am serving as superintendent, secondary principal, elementary principal, Director of Transportation, Curriculum Director, Special Education Director, and Federal Programs Director."

When asked what would happen with a 10 percent reduction, the answer was the elimination of 1,760 positions.

An unnamed superintendent wrote, "Up to date educational materials will not be purchased and equipment that is broke or in need of repair will not be fixed or replaced. Students will not have the opportunity for new textbooks or educational materials that are needed to stay abreast of the ever increasing bench mark for adequate yearly progress. Needed materials and supplies will not be purchased in order to balance the budget."

The dismal survey results come as the state's revenue shortfall hit the one year mark and State Treasurer Scott Meacham announced cuts will continue as December revenue results came in 44 percent lower than the state's estimate.

Read the school budget status online survey results

Wynnewood Superintendent Alfred Gaches said he knows the pain of making tough decisions.

"I myself took a 5 percent pay cut. We've cut out field trips. We've cut out taking two buses to the basketball games," Gaches said.

His district is also under a hiring and spending freeze.

All Oklahoma districts are having trouble with budget cuts, and they're each dealing with them in different ways.

Wynnewood counts on ad valorem reimbursement. The lack of that kind of funding has left an 18 percent deficit. Wynnewood has had to absorb $589,000.

The situation is not dire yet in nearby Wayne, but Superintendent Zach Powell said he's concerned about the future.

"We spent three hours Monday night dissecting budget cuts for next year. It's not just the fact of losing money next year but how that affects you in two years or three years. It takes a long time to recover when you have a percentage of your budget going out the door."

Educators have been trying to make cuts without affecting the classroom, but won't be able to much longer.

"We promote the best education possible. The question is, when you have budget cuts what is possible? That possible is what's being pulled back," Powell said.

Powell said he foresees cutbacks to special programs and elective classes that are not mandated. Mandates are one issue all districts are having a tough time with. By law they are required to meet mandates like class size, but many of the mandates are now unfunded.

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