By Tonia Noe-Rose - Staff Writer
Although nearly one-half million dollars in diesel fees were tapped onto the school board’s 2008-09 budget, board members don’t believe it will be enough to cover the cost.
During Tuesday’s regular school board meeting, the tentative budget was discussed, as was the need for conserving money and the 1 percent raise for classified and certified teachers.
A whopping $450,000 in fuel costs will be allotted, but some wonder if that will be enough.
“I’m not sure that will do it,” board member Larry Coldiron said. “We will have to curb field trips and do what we can to conserve.”
Superintendent Marvin Moore said he and the board is satisfied with the budget but needed all staff to be conscious about extra spending.
“First of all I want to say, this budget has not affected the quality of our classrooms,” he said. “The budget is sound but we are asking all schools to help save money. I know a 1 percent raise is a smack in the face, but it’s all we can do at this time. Our school district is in good shape right now, but with the rising cost of fuel and everything else, we have to watch. When everything goes up we have to come up with it until Frankfort decides to help.”
Board member Bill Redwine said Rowan County teachers needed to make the same amount of money as other teachers in the state.
“The legislature branch and executive branch do a lot of lip service when it’s convenient for them,” Redwine said. “But when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, that’s a different story.
“We got to come up with a statewide salary that is comparable. No matter where you work as a teacher you have to have the same qualifications but our teachers are not making the same money,” Redwine added.
Coldiron said he understands the need for teachers to make more money but the board was only able to give the 1 percent raise. “We all know you deserve more, but we all know the situation right now.”
Coldiron also said several rumors had been floating around the community concerning the school district’s schedule. “I don’t know how many people have asked me if we are going to a four-day week,” he said. “We are not planning anything like that, so if you hear it, it’s not true.”
The board made a motion to approve the tentative budget.
