Adjusting upward the next education spending

Because of new action taken at the state capital, Oconee public schools are proposing higher spending than that which administrators projected as late as last week.  And it means that when county school officials carry their new budget request next week to the county council budget committee, proposed expenses in 2021-22 will total more than $106.7 million.  If the county fathers say yes to $68.2 million in local funds for education, the next school budget will contain even higher teacher salaries than were figured during the April 19 meeting of the county trustees.  There’s also to be additional money included to meet an increased cost of health insurance, as announced by Gloria Moore, the district’s finance officer.  Moore calculates it will take an extra $182 thousand in local monies to balance the budget.  She doesn’t believe—or at least that’s her hope—that there will be enough of an increase in the value of a county tax mill to avoid the need to raise taxes. In a special meeting today, the board re-adjusted its FY 22 general budget.  Dr. Michael Thorsland, district superintendent, said the reason for the unusual Friday meeting was to be sure that the numbers given the county council budget committee on Tuesday next week are accurate and are the latest.