A moving target those school budget numbers

It’s time for Oconee schools to bring to the county council their budget for the next year of public schooling in the county.  But, as the school trustees were reminded last night, bottom line numbers remain uncertain due to the differing versions of state aid to be promulgated by the two legislative chambers at the state capital.  Yet it was clear during last night’s Oconee trustees’ meeting that the county district will seek an increase in county aid, although the superintendent stresses that doesn’t mean the schools are asking the county fathers to raise tax millage.  Dr. Michael Thorsland is optimistic that countywide re-assessment, along with increased revenues schools mills generate from growth in the tax base, will do the trick.  According to Gloria Moore, state aid from the House of Representatives’ version would allow Oconee to peg total 2022-23 education spending around $115.5M; while the Senate’s would drop Oconee’s figure to $113.4M.  Either way, Thorsland remarked, it’s a lot of money.  However, the bite in spending power caused by inflation would mean, in Thorsland’s view, detracts from the 4% pay hike for that is bring sought for teachers.