SYLVANIA - Screven County Schools Superintendent Dr. Whitney Myers said in an interview with the Statesboro Herald that the worst in budget cuts is behind the system.
      "While most school systems are making their major budget cuts this year, we are about a year ahead in doing so," Myers said.
      With a loss of about 30 teachers during last year's cuts and more than $2 million shaved off the budget, the school system took a big hit last year, he said. Still, the year ahead holds in store an even tighter budget.
      Myers said, "We are fortunate in being able to handle this year's cuts without letting anyone go."
      He said that the six positions lost for the upcoming school year were handled entirely through attrition.
      One way money is being saved this year is through shortening the school year for both teachers and students by 10 days. This change alone eliminates $80,000/day from the general fund payroll, in addition to daily operating costs, said Myers. For teachers, that means 10 more furlough days this year, with a pre-planning start date on Aug. 2 and students returning on Aug. 9.
      Also, any employees who work on extended contracts will be furloughed an additional 10 days, including principals and some administrators.
      "I am just grateful to still have a job," said Screven High Principal Brett Warren, alluding to losing 20 days of compensation.
      "We have all been asked to work harder and produce more with less pay," Myers said.
Myers is actually retired, but he said he, along with two other administrators, returned at a 49-percent working status, with another administrator to follow suit in January.
      "I still assume full responsibility for the school system," Myers said, "while working 49-percent of the year."
Myers said he does not expect the arrangement to be permanent. While the board currently is relieved of paying full administrative salaries and benefits for the four administrators, Myers said the plan is designed to "help the transition of bringing new leadership into the system over the next couple of years."
      All of the changes for this year amount to another $2 million cut from the budget.
      "Right now, I think our budget is in pretty good shape," Myers said.
      However, next year's budget is highly dependent upon the continued provision of federal stimulus money, which currently covers $800,000 of the budget, he said.
      "It is too early to tell what form cuts will take when the 2012-13 budget is assessed in the spring," Myers said.
        Myers pointed to SPLOST renewal as another important project, in which the board works to identify possible uses for the next funding. While SPLOST money only can be used for capital expenses, Myers welcomes input from the community for consideration during the planning process. Myers said that emphasis for its use has shifted from facility construction or renovation in past years to instructional-based improvements, like new computers and textbooks.
      Despite the budget constraints for this year, there are four new employees in the system. High school agriculture teacher Brandon White, high school English teacher Lisa Ammons, head football coach Greg Manior, and food service director Jessica Zeagler all were hired.