Teacher Cuts, Staff Layoffs, Schools Closed

15 million dollars. That's what school officials in Escambia County, Florida, say they could cut from their annual budget. The sluggish economy, including the rising cost of fuel, higher food prices and transportation costs, is affecting the entire school district. Eight million of the proposed 15 million dollar budget reduction could come in the form of teacher cuts.

"Unfortunately, it's something we're going to have to do," says Asst. Supt. Ronnie Arnold. "With any business, the majority of our budget is in the form of salaries."

Arnold says some extra-curricular activities, athletic programs and fine arts classes could be slashed. Officials also say several schools could be closed and consolidated because of the budget crisis.

"If that happens, it won't happen until the 2009-2010 budget year," says Arnold.

At a budget hearing Monday afternoon, Supt. Dr. Jim Paul told a packed crowd, mostly teachers and support staff, that things will get worse before they get better.

"I can tell you this," says Paul. "By next August, there will be children in class and there will be teachers on campus, and we'll feed them. But beyond that, I can't promise you anything."