Tim Martin, assistant superintendent of Clinton schools, said changing the school year affects more than classes. He said athletic activities and state testing also would have to be rescheduled “across the board.”
“There may be a slight savings in energy costs because it’s usually hotter in August than it is in September, but the savings would be minimal,” Martin said.
Education leaders pleaded with lawmakers to honor campaign promises of fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the state’s basic funding formula for public schools.
Teachers will receive their regular incremental pay increase, but it’s “very doubtful” they will receive the department’s suggested 3 percent pay raise, said Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, the chairman of this year’s budget committee.
“We’re really having some pretty tough times now with the budget. We’ll do the best we can,” House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, told education leaders before they presented their requests.
Clarion-Ledger
9/24/9
Magnolia Tribune
