DATE: Friday, November 28, 1997             TAG: 9711270664

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Education 

SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   94 lines

BUDGET CUTS MAY DIG INTO STUDENTS' NEEDS TEACHERS SAY THEY DON'T HAVE TOOLS REQUIRED FOR PUPILS' SUCCESS

An almost 3 percent cut in the school system's money pie isn't a large slice but it will be felt by teachers and students.

Teachers who have been waiting for additional textbooks, guides and materials might not get them now as the district trims up to $2.9 million from its budget because of city revenue shortfalls and cuts in state money.

``I'm hearing from teachers who are having to share guides and materials,'' said Shirley George, president of the Education Association of Norfolk. ``They're already asking for more of the (textbook) series and they're not going to get it.''

Suspending textbook purchases until next year is one of several ways the school system hopes to cover an expected $1.7 million dip in funding from the city and a $1.5 million cut in state funds.

The school system has made drastic trims in the past but filled those gaps with extra state and federal funds. That isn't the case this year. The district is expecting about $350,000 in surplus federal money, but it won't make up for the other cuts.

School officials discussed $2.5 million in cuts with the School Board on Monday. They gave board members the worst-case scenario. If they need to, school officials will look for the additional $400,000 in cuts during the school year. It's possible that the city cuts won't be as severe as school officials have anticipated, but district leaders said they needed to make trims now. Those trims can be restored if the school system receives additional revenue.

``Our fiscal year ends in June,'' said Fred Schmitt, the district's chief finance officer. ``We can't wait until the end of the year to try and find this money.''

Some of the cuts, such as delaying maintenance projects, will have long-term impact because they will become more costly in the future. Some won't affect the daily operation of the schools, such as not filling a supervisor, clerical and mechanic spot in the transportation department immediately.

But others might hit students more directly.

This year, the district began an academic improvement plan, the Norfolk Quality Schools Initiative, to boost achievement in several areas, including test scores and attendance rates. School administrators have promised the schools more resources to reach those goals but one budget cut now restrains the schools' flexibility to spend money.

If schools underspend in one area, they'll have to return that remaining money to the central office instead of using it for other purchases.

In addition, not having updated textbooks could affect what's taught in the classroom.

Some teachers have complained that it's not fair for school administrators to hold them responsible for students' success when they don't have the necessary tools.

School administrators agreed.

``I'm concerned,'' said Thomas Lockamy Jr., deputy superintendent for academic affairs and accountability, during the board meeting.

``The goals we've set are very ambitious, even not anticipating the cuts, and you're holding someone accountable . . . It can be said we didn't hold our end.''

Here's a list of the cuts and possible impacts:

Sixth-grade textbook purchases will be deferred for a year. Textbooks currently in use do not reflect the political and social changes of the 1990s.

Personnel. Many vacancies will be held open, including some teacher, assistant principal spots, some custodial and transportation department positions. Historically, the district would add more teachers as class sizes increase to accommodate student transfers into schools. Those teachers won't be added.

Equipment. Fewer computers for student and administrative use will be purchased this year. There will be a delay in replacing equipment that is no longer functional or obsolete.

One payment on a school bus lease will be delayed until the last year of the lease.

Maintenance. Some exterior painting, windows and doors won't be replaced for another year. Fuel costs will rise if doors and windows aren't being replaced with better-insulated models.

School flexibility. Schools won't be able to use additional funds.

Staff development and training. The district will cut some training opportunities this year. Less staff development means a staff less prepared to meet demands, school officials said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Gary C, Knapp

The metal frame and press board shelves...

Graphic

Norfolk Schools Take a cut

How the money is spent...

The 1998 Budget...

Where the cuts will come from...

For complete copy, see microfilm KEYWORDS: NORFOLK SCHOOLS 1998 BUDGET BUDGET CUTS

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