It comes as no surprise to anyone in this economy that school budgets are decreasing and student needs are increasing. The Stanly County Board of Education approved the 2012-2013 school year budget with big cuts and big savings across the board.
“Budget cuts are in the front of everyone’s concerns right now,” said Supt. Dr. Terry Griffin.
One of the biggest cuts to the budget is the closing of Ridgecrest Elementary reducing the budget by more than $600,000. Students from Ridgecrest will begin the school year at Locust Elementary, Endy Elementary, and West Stanly Middle School.
Another surprising reduction made by the school board is the elimination of student incentives for high school graduating valedictorian scholarships, trophies, recognitions, and competition travel expenses. The reduction cuts out $2,000 from the budget. Griffin is optimistic that the community will pitch in and make those scholarships available to the graduating valedictorians.
“What I hope to be able to do is find individuals and companies willing to make contributions to the school system so we can continue to award those scholarships,” said Griffin.
Schools are also going to see the elimination of 100 percent of field trip allocation reducing the budget by $25,000. The sports fields will also take a hit due to budget reductions. Summer field maintenance will be reduced by 50 percent and spring and fall field supplements are eliminated by 100 percent in high schools.
The school board has cut instructional supplies and materials by 30 percent for the school year limiting teachers and staff in their paper supplies. Griffin and principals from around the county are striving to find alternative ways to provide the same education with fewer supplies and a smaller budget.
“Can we be more green. Can we be as paperless as possible?” asks Griffin.
To view the budget reductions released by the Stanly County Board of Educations, click here.
