Gordon County Schools have avoided the struggles many school systems are facing in balancing this years budget. Despite forced cuts from state funding they are cutting where they can but without an approved Gordon County Tax digest, plans for present and future forced reductions from the state cannot be finalized.

“We are a little bit different from other school districts in the fact that we are operating from a tentative budget. Until we have an approved digest we cannot finalize our budget for the school year and set a final millage rate,” explained Superintendent Bill McCown.

Gordon County Schools Financial Director Gail Farriba stated that if additional state cuts take place considera-tion would be given to additional furlough days and a reduced head count for non-contract positions.

During the most recent state forced reductions (3-day furlough), Gordon County Schools added extra furlough days for 11 and 12 month certified employees thus reducing the budget an additional $51,925.00.

“Any of the reductions we have planned are still just that—they are planned reductions to the budget because we are operating from a tentative budget. No plans can be finalized until we have an approved budget and an approved budget can only come after we have a digest,” said McCown.

More than $825,000.00 in budget cuts are planned to balance a final approved budget should the Tax digest be submitted and approved.