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Schools

School system passes budget, jumps $4 million budget shortfall hurdle

Local revenues alleviate funding decrease from the state.

The hole left by a $4 million decrease in state funding for the FY 2012 budget was patched by an increase in local revenue, said Superintendant Philip Lanoue at the Clarke County School Board meeting Thursday.

Associate superintendent Ted Gilbert said the decrease in state funding was "fairly significant." However, due  to the increase in local revenue, the FY 2012 budget was approved by the members of the school board.

"It's comforting to know we're right on track," he said.

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Lanoue said the board should continue to make efforts to save money wherever possible.

Also approved at the meeting was a continuation of the 20 mills millage rate on property to maintain the school system.

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The meeting began with a slew of awards, including accolades for students from Cedar Shoals' Future Farmers of America organization, the Georgia Young Authors Writing Competition and Impact Awards for seven businesses committed to excellence in the school system.

The organizations recieving Impact Awards were AT&T, The Clarke County Mentor Program, AthFest, Books For Keeps, 1st American Bank & Trust, Georgia Power and Wee Read.

Also at the meeting was a presentation on the West Side Elementary School, what Lanoue called "the school of the future." 

The presentation showed the state-of-the-art facility's floorplan. According to the presentation, the school would have satellite media centers and ample space for students to gather and study outside of traditional classrooms.

Lanoue said one feature of the school is that the enviornment of learning extends outside the classroom, and that the school would be a place of learning from the moment students walk in the door.

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