Lauderdale County School District looking for ways to cut back

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
March 20, 2002
Lauderdale County School principals say student achievement will be adversely affected if the district eliminates personnel because of a cut in funding.
Principals from most of the county public school campuses attended a Lauderdale County School Board work session Tuesday that focused on belt-tightening in anticipation of state funding cuts next year.
Last month, the board instructed Superintendent David Little to recommend trimming $750,000 to $1 million from next year's budget to offset cuts the district is expecting from the state.
The principals were asked to give details about their school's goals, concerns and any recommendations they may have for saving money in the district. The principals preferred to submit recommendations in writing over the next few weeks rather than discuss them in the work session.
Little said everything is on the table for possible cuts, including extra-curricular activities, staff and administrative positions.
Jimmy Gibson, chairman of the school board, spoke to the principals before asking for their comments.
The board's regular monthly meeting will be Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Raymond P. Davis Annex of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.