Politics & Government
Federal Sequester Could Cost Gwinnett Schools $3.4 Million
Public schools in Lawrenceville and across the county could be affected by cuts that took effect March 1, the Gwinnett County School Board says.
The potential loss of millions of dollars due to federal budget cuts was on the minds of Gwinnett County School Board members during their monthly business meeting Thursday in Suwanee.
In a statement earlier in the week, GCPS Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks, said the cuts would cost the district approximately $3.4 million, including Title I money and allocations for special education.
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It is uncertain when exactly the cuts, which went into effect March 1, will be felt by the public. But, the first nationwide impact could be felt Monday as furlough notices are sent out, according to ABC News.
On Feb. 28, board members also weighed in about the sequestration, and other budget cuts.
Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We're fine. We'll weather this just like we weathered everything else," said Dr. Robert McClure, of District 4, in reaction to Wilbanks' statement to the public. "We will continue to tighten the belts; do the best we can with whatever's given us."
"I think it's interesting that Washington mandated these programs, and rightfully so," said Louise Radloff, of District 5, speaking of Title 1 and special education. "But, ever since they were first funded in 1976, they rarely have paid the commitment of 40 percent. In fact, they've never paid the commitment of 40 percent."
She added: "With these cuts that are looming with our special needs children and all of the responsibilities that our local teachers have for these children, it's a great concern."
"Frankly, my personal view is that the country is pretty darn screwed up," said Daniel Seckinger of District 2, "and we may have to take some rain, even though it's not justified on us in order to get things straight."
He added: "I don't know if there's enough fertile brain cells in Washington, D.C., to get it right on either side of the aisle, so it may take something as bad as this, or worse to make things happen that need to happen."
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