Putnam Schools Close Budget Gap By Almost $1.3M In Second Draft

The Putnam County School System has decreased the $3 million gap in its budget by almost $1.3 million in the second draft of the budget presented Thursday night.

Director of Schools Corby King said that they received a $620,000 increase in BEP funding from the state. The number also included an estimated increase in the penny rate of $664,453.

“So we’re getting closer,” King said. “What we would present to the budget committee when we go before the county commission if this is approved tonight is that gap of $1,785,383.”

King said that the BEP increase came from an additional 50 students accounted for in its average daily enrollment. He said that the state adjusted those numbers from the April estimate. King said that the penny rate increase stems from appraised property values in the county for this year.

King said that the next step will be to work with the county to address the remaining $1.7 million gap.

The budget includes raises for teachers and support staff. King said that they hope that way they can offer incentives to school employees.

“That honestly all of our county departments need,” King said. “But we do as well. You look at the $2,000 per certified staff, and $3 per hour raise for non-certified staff. We need that just to be competitive with our local businesses and industries and we want our people to be well-compensated that are caring for our children and caring for our students.”

King said that they hope to see an increase in the allocation from the county, hopefully from sales tax. He said another option would be from a property tax increase which isn’t ideal, but is sometimes necessary with growth to remain competitive.