The state's $6.5 billion plan could cost Tulsa Public Schools $5 million more.
Tulsa World
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau & WAYNE GREENE World Senior Writer
Published: 5/11/20112:27 AM
Last Modified: 5/11/20118:36 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders announced on Tuesday a $6.5 billion 2012 fiscal year budget with cuts to state agencies generally ranging from 1 percent to 9 percent.
"The budget we are looking at today makes some tough decisions but realistic cuts," Fallin said.
Compared to the fiscal year 2011 budget, the budget proposal is nearly $218 million less - a reduction of 3.2 percent.
Lawmakers tapped revolving funds and cash and are counting on cost-saving measures and a bond issue to make up for the $500 million less the state had to spend in crafting the fiscal year 2012 budget compared to the current budget.
The State Department of Education is taking a 4.1 percent cut but is slated to receive a $10 million supplemental appropriation contingent on legislative approval.
"While a 4.1 percent reduction for education will be challenging, it is less than the cuts that education faced earlier in the legislative session," said State Superintendent Janet Barresi. "We're committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the impact of this reduction on school districts is minimized."
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard estimated that the budget cuts would translate into a $5 million cut in funding to the district. That comes on top of a $1.3 million loss when the state failed to honor an obligation to fund teacher health insurance costs and a $20 million cut last year... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, May 11, 2011
by John Cox