DeKalb School Board Contemplates Cuts

DeKalb school board representative Nancy Jester said she opposes new taxes to help stem a more than $75-million deficit in the upcoming budget, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

The full board went against Jester's opposition Tuesday and supported a tentative budget that includes a 2-mill tax increase that would raise $30 million.

Changes to that budget are likely, with one representative, Paul Womack, who voted for a budget, saying he won't be able to approve a tax increase as large as 2 mills, said the report.

The board had to pass an early version of the school budget to conduct a public hearing Tuesday. The district's budget would need to be in place by July 1.

The board will contemplate increasing class size by two students, laying off 70 central office employees and reducing spending and overtime. The district also contemplating eliminating the Montessori program, 25 libraries and transportation to magnet schools.

Without a tax cut, deeper reductions would need to be presented to make up for a $45-million deficit.