Slashing two new guidance counselor positions, a new pupil personnel worker and cutting maintenance of older schools are among suggested cuts made by Howard County Schools Superintendent Sydney Cousin to close a $3.6 million funding gap in the school system?s proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2007.
But school officials say they are counting on a huge turnout at a public hearing May 6 to persuade the county council to fully fund the school system?s $554.9 million spending plan.
“We tried to protect the classroom as much as possible,” Cousin said during the board?s Thursday meeting.
School Board member Patricia Gordon said she was “saddened” by the proposal.
“We just commended the pupil personnel workers with a proclamation,” she said.
Lin Bartle, facilitator for the school system?s 18 pupil personnel workers, said if the cut is made, it will mean more work for the current workers. “Of course, we?re concerned,” she said.
Lisa Boarman, facilitator for school counseling, said if two new guidance positions aren?t filled, counselors at Atholton and Howard high schools would be affected.
“It means they would be spending less time with students,” she said.
Diane Mikulis, board vice chairman, said she was concerned about maintenance at older schools being cut.
“It does catch up with us eventually,” she said.
Courtney Watson, another board member, said that she was disappointed with the possibility of having to make the cuts, but added that Cousin?s proposal is “a lot less painful” than previous budget years.
Board Chairman Joshua Kaufman said it?s important that the community attend the public hearing because the operating budget?s funding gap could swell to “$5 million” due to higher gasoline costs.
