Members of the Gordon Countv Board of Education approved a spending resolution for August during their July 19 meeting.

This was the second time the board approved this type of financial bridge. The first spending resolution for this fiscal year was approved for the month of July.

The school system receives funds on a monthly basis; the spending resolution allows the system to receive its normal allotments before the 2010-2011 budget is finalized.

The amount of money set by the spending resolution cannot exceed one-twelfth (the equivalent of one month) of last year’s budget of $56,127,077, according to Finance Director Gail Farriba.

In other business, the board examined a tentative $49.2 million budget, anticipating a $2.3 million revenue shortfall for the 2010-2011 school year.

Gordon County Schools Superintendent Bill McCown explained the school system would implement a reduction in workforce plan to help fill the revenue shortfall — a cost savings of nearly $1.8 million in spending for the next school year.

The latest budget reduction in regard to workdays involves elementary school counselors. They will be required to take five additional furlough days, along with the 10 days, in the tentative budget plan. The additional five days would save the schools approximately $7,500, Finance Director Gail Farriba said.

This move came after a meeting with the principals to determine where more money could be cut, officials stated.

The tentative budget called for the elimination of 32 positions; however some of those are positions were not filled after retirements and resignations.

The budget also calls for the restructuring of gifted teachers’ supplements; these teachers receive extra funds because the program falls under special education. The supplements will be cut, saving the county $2,500.

Gordon County Schools took six furlough days in 2010 and are scheduled to take 10 furlough days for 2010-2011.

“The value represents 10 days for all employees with the exception of bus drivers and food service workers who will only work four days less,” Farriba explained.

More changes are expected and some of the proposed measures are still subject to change, officials stated.

The board also approved a price increase of daycare services, offered through the Child Development Center at Gordon Central High School, of $92 to $102 a week.

The next board of education meeting will be Aug. 9 at the central office, located at 205 Warrior Path.