Last Friday, Nov. 7, the Jacksonville City Schools received the balance of their October allotment from the state. The schools, however, remain in a spending freeze since the conditions that prevented the state from making the full payment a week earlier still exist and a reduced payment is expected for November as well.“So, we’re now back to square one, but we are expecting a short draw for November. How much short, we don’t know,” said Dr. Eric Mackey, superintendent of the Jacksonville City Schools, adding he is expecting another month where the schools only receive 75 percent of their state allotment, but wouldn’t be surprised if they receive less.
Mackey also expects a smaller cut in payment in December and is preparing for the worst by cutting spending at the schools to only the necessities.
With last week’s passage of Amendment 1, once Governor Riley declared proration, the state can borrow an additional $440 million to help with the funding issues in the state’s school systems.
“But he may not decide to declare until the spring. We don’t really know,” said Mackey. “We’d like to see it done before Christmas. But part of the problem is, if you don’t know how bad it’s going to be, how do you know how much to call proration?”
This spending cut also means an almost total freeze on teacher spending for classroom supplies, many of which typically need to be re-filled midway through the year.
Teachers are being allowed to spend a small amount each month, but most have voluntarily chosen not to spend their funds.
“We have opened it up so all the teachers have a little bit of money to spend, if they need it. But, most of the teachers, I mean 90 percent, have said, ‘I won’t spend any of my classroom money until things get better,’” said Mackey.
Even if things were going well and funding was flowing in from the state as expected, teachers might still need help with supplies. Last year, they received $525 per room – this year that amount was reduced to $400.
“If there’s proration, they may not get all of that $400. So, they’re already in the hole competing against accelerating prices, so anything helps,” said Mackey.
Those in the community who wish to help the teachers with supplies during this time can send copy paper, which is constantly needed and is a vital part of Kitty Stone Elementary School’s reading program, or talk to teachers about what items are needed most in their classroom.
“Or a gift card for their classroom, then let them go buy the supplies they need. Those types of things, they’re always appreciated, but more so this year than normal,” said Mackey.
