budget cuts

Today, a major announcement was made to all schools' faculties and staffs regarding budget cuts for next year.  A combination of the downturn in the economy resulting in reduced sales tax revenue, along with property tax cuts from Amendment 1 and decisions by state leadership has caused a deficit in St. Johns County of $8 million.  We are also planning for a minimum of $2 million more to be cut during the upcoming school year.

Input on how to make the reductions was received from a wide range of stakeholders.  Dr. Joyner personally met with SAC groups throughout the district to hear their suggestions, and he also appealed to the entire school district staff to give input.  Dr. Joyner shared that this is the first time in 37 years that education spending has gone backwards.  He went on to say, "it is particularly detrimental to districts such as St. Johns that continue to grow.  The cuts will affect the number of staff we can afford and the quality of services we can provide.  However, our School Board is committed to making the classroom a priority as we work through these unprecedented budget cuts."