JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After months of debate the Duval County School says their budget is balanced. Today, Board members sat down to cut the final few million dollars in deficit.
"When we last met with the Board May 27th, we got down to a number for $9 million for furlough days," Chief Financial Officer Mike Perrone said.
The biggest ticket item by far is furloughs. The cut calls for 10 month employees to be furloughed for 2.5 days and 12 month employees for 4.5. That alone will save $7 million.
"Not paying teachers their salaries. Not just teachers, but across the board...everyone. Board members, Superintendent," Chairmain W.C. Gentry said.
The remaining $2 million will be absorbed through a variety of things like: summer reading professional development, the early retirement program, the Read It Foward Summer Program for grades 9-10, and 5 percent of the Shultz Center contract.
None of the choices were easy, but all agree furloughs were especially tough. The district hopes to restore the days with Title 1 money...which comes from the state and federal government.
Whatever happens, members want people to know: this hurts them too.
"I'm sorry. After they're over getting angry with us, let's all work together to focus on Tallahassee so this doesn't happen again next year," Gentry said.
The deadline to vote on the final budget is August 2nd.
