While the Bibb County Board of Education took action in a July 7 meeting to delay the start of school and deferred a decision on how reopening will work, the issue of an 11 percent budget cut for 2021 was still on the table.

Parents, teachers and community members can give input on the proposed 2021 budget for the Bibb County School District at the first of two public hearings on July 14.

The budget, which was adopted tentatively on July 7 and will undergo its final adoption on July 23, involves an 11 percent projected reduction in state funding. 

The preliminary budget includes a 62-position reduction in staff from elementary, middle and high schools totaling about $5 million in reduced expenditures. The largest portion of staff cuts will be from elementary schools, with 21 teaching positions and five paraprofessional positions removed.

Salary and benefit reductions also include freezing step increases for all employees and reducing substitute teachers, overtime and service agreements. Summer school for programs other than high school will also be included in the reduction. 

Operational expenditures will include reductions in consultants, equipment and printing from outside sources. The school district will also save by limiting School Administration Managers to principals with less than three years experience. 

With adjustments for funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the total projected use of the fund balance for 2021 is $463,399. 

The public hearings on July 14 and 23 will be held virtually.

Republish