Possible Education Cuts Could Have Big Impact

Potential cuts to education funding could have school districts all over the nation reviewing their budgets. Putnam County Schools Director Jerry Boyd said federal dollars make up about 12 percent of the school system’s budget. Out of a nearly $90 million annual budget, that’s a lot of money, Boyd said.

“Any cuts certainly require us to do a lot of deep dives on prioritizing our services so we can meet the goals we set which is to make sure each student reaches their maximum potential,” Boyd said.

He said all tax dollars received by the county schools go to serve children. That includes services, equipment and staffing needs.

“That’s why we exist to serve students. We have over 11,000 students, more than 50 percent meet the definition of low-income,” Boyd said.

Congress has the final say on the federal budget. That process has already begun.