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Six schools gain, three lose in budget By Damian Mann Jackson County schools would gain $6 million under Gov. John Kitzhaber�s proposed budget, but three districts � including Ashland � still face a drop in funding next year because of declining enrollment. A report released recently by the Oregon Legislative Revenue Office estimates six of the nine school systems in the county would receive revenue hikes, though some district officials are leery that strings might be attached. Even if the state doesn�t require that the money be earmarked for specific programs, the extra revenue would just compensate districts for expected hikes in expenses. "It will barely cover salary increases," said Greg Lecuyer, finance director for Eagle Point School District. His district will receive an extra $900,000. Lecuyer said the district also has seen increases in insurance, utilities and retirement benefits. Although Lecuyer would be happy with the governor�s plan as is, he suspects it will change in the coming months as it makes its way through the Legislature. "This is just the governor�s plan," he said. "It never comes out as the governor�s plan in the end." The $5.2 billion budget proposes that Oregon schools receive a 4.1 percent increase in 2001-2002, followed by a 5.2 percent increase the following fiscal year. Districts like Ashland, Prospect and Pinehurst, which face a decline in enrollment, will have to make do with a reduction in revenue. Ashland School District would see its budget cut by almost $31,000, according to the state report. Pinehurst School District, in the mountains east of Ashland, would face a $4,000 cut. Officials from either school district could not be reached for comment. Don Alexander, superintendent of Prospect School District, said a $50,000 decrease in funding means his school system will not replace a teacher who is retiring. Prospect, which has seen a drop of 20 students, has just begun developing its budget for next fiscal year. Alexander, like other administrators, said his district will not start counting on the money until the governor and Legislature hatch a final plan this summer. Doug Spani, business manager for Phoenix-Talent School District, said that even with the increase, his school system will still have a hard time avoiding cutbacks. "We will still be looking at tough times," he said. Phoenix-Talent is anticipating a shortfall this coming fiscal year because its cash reserves have dwindled from $1.1 million to $300,000. Spani doubts the money will come without stipulations from the state on how to spend it. Although Medford School District would receive almost $3 million more, the district is facing sizable increases in expenses. Health insurance is estimated to increase by almost $1 million. "Our utilities alone this year have skyrocketed," said Business Director Galen Anderson. The district will not begin compiling its next budget until the middle or latter part of March. Until then, Anderson said, "We try not to get too attached to these numbers." At this point, the current budget looks promising for his district, he added. "Anything is better than nothing." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.