State of The State Reaction

Baldwin County School Superintendant Dr. Faron Hollinger says he agrees with Governor Bob Riley that Alabama has made tremendous progress in education. He also concurs with the governor the state has to apply the same level of dilligence and effort to get through difficult economic times.

Hollinger says he's "Optimistic we will get through this and will go on and continue to provide quality education for the students of Alabama."

"In light of other factors he talked about. I'm going to be looking very carefully to see what the budget looks like that comes out tomorrow. By all indications from the people I've talked to that budget will certainly be less this year than it was last year before proration. Our position in Baldwin County, we're simply going to hope for the best and prepare for the worst".

Governor Riley is expected to release official figures Wednesday, but Doctor Hollinger is hearing figures from other colleagues in Montgomery. Hollinger told WKRG News 5's Rose Ann Haven, "The best case scenario is showing schools statewide with $800 million less next year.that's before proration."

With Baldwin County Schools facing layoffs in the hundreds, Hollinger says he is "committed to reducing every other expense before we get to our people..that will be a last resort". The superintendent adds he will be watching the president's stimulus package carefully. He says it "would have an impact...but, not enough to eliminate proration...but, it would help".