RINGGOLD, Ga. — Residents are having to provide a larger share of the funds for public education in Catoosa County because of the state’s austerity cuts to the Quality Basic Education formula, Schools Superintendent Denia Reese said.
“Reduced funding in that area has meant a loss of state funds to the county of $9.4 million since 2003,” Mrs. Reese told Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce members.
The lost state funding is among the factors she blames for the recently announced reductions in teacher positions. Mrs. Reese said the current projection is that 35 positions will be cut.
“Those are academic coaches, instructional specialists in all subject areas, that are not state funded,” Mrs. Reese said. “The state provides $190,000 annually for nurses, but we spend $600,000. Some nurses will be cut to part-time work.”
She said the county funded 26 percent of total schools budget in 2000, but now provides 31 percent of the total.
But she told Chamber members Thursday that Catoosa students are performing above the state average in many testing areas.
Jack Deaton of Prudential Realty Center said he thinks Mrs. Reese does a great job.
“Our status in the state on academic performance reflects a top system,” Mr. Deaton said. “I have a grandchild and, naturally, want the system to be among the best.”
The superintendent said a Graduation Task Force is working to improve on the system’s 70 percent graduation rate in 2007.
She said the top three reasons for dropping out are pregnancy, poor attendance and a lack of interest, and, “We are exploring ways to address those reasons, including possible night classes.”
Candy Hullender, of Habitat for Humanity, said she was convinced by Mrs. Reese that it has been too long since the state adjusted the schools funding formula. “I’m sure the entire community is concerned about the pending teacher cuts for the next school year,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Reese said several steps will be taken to educate students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse after the recent death of a 16-year-old Ringgold High School student.
“We’ll explain why students should not use drugs prescribed for others, send pamphlets on the topic home to parents and ask them to keep watch on their prescriptions,” she said. “We will also show videos on the issue from Sheriff Phil Summers, and will also seek funding to develop and send home a video on the topic.”
