Fri, Jan 09 2009
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Published August 29, 2008 12:21 pm - Many school superintendents hit a few bumps in the road at the beginning of each new school year, most of which are ironed out quickly. Budget crunch forces school belt-tightening By TEDDYE SNELL TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Many school superintendents hit a few bumps in the road at the beginning of each new school year, most of which are ironed out quickly.
But this year, administrators all over the state are starting this year with an especially serious handicap: A standstill budget and soaring fuel costs. According to a recent poll of superintendents conducted by the Associated Press, field trips, bus routes and staff travel may be cut substantially in an effort to save money. The poll indicated 59 percent are working to implement other energy conservation measures; 44 percent are cutting back on student field trips; and 34 percent plan to limit staff business travel. Tahlequah Public Schools I-35 Superintendent Shannon Goodsell has already implemented some cost-cutting techniques, in the food and nutrition arena. But that doesn’t mean TPS will be skimping on student meals. “We are processing or purchasing commodities in bulk and storing them in the warehouse,” he said. “[Buying in] bulk equals let cost per item. We are also active in the DOD produce program, which decreases the overall cost of produce, and allows us to have the first two months of produce free of charge.” Goodsell indicated TPS has also reduced the number of food service staff and has eliminated color copying and coding for cafeteria use to save money on ink cartridges. The AP report indicated the number of students qualifying for free or reduced lunches has increased. Indeed, at least three schools in Cherokee County – Hulbert, Peggs and Tenkiller – are able to offer lunches free to every student this year. Goodsell said the numbers at Tahlequah are holding steady. And the school hasn’t made plans to cut any trips for students or staff, nor have any bus routes been eliminated. “All trips are evaluated on a case-by-case basis,” he said. “And they must be tied to a PASS objective for an instructional purpose. We are in the process of adjusting and evaluating bus stops to maximize each route, and are looking at alternative sources for fuel for buses.” Large school districts aren’t alone in facing budget shortfalls. Rural schools are also part of the state system, and they haven’t received any funding increases, either. Tenkiller Superintendent Randy Rountree saw the proverbial writing on the wall a long time ago. “We have had three years to prepare for this budget situation, and I feel that at Tenkiller School, we are in pretty good financial condition,” said Rountree. “The past three years, we have had a teacher retire; I have been able to rearrange schedules and not hire a replacement for that upcoming school year, while not compromising the students’ education.” 
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