Kiwanis  Inducts Matthew Orwat & Receives Updates From Dr. Sandra Cook - March 15, 2011

At the weekly club luncheon on Tuesday, 15th, the Kiwanis Club preceded their program by welcoming new member Matthew J. Orwat, who recently joint the Agricultural Extension Office in Chipley as the Horticulturist and has moved from Texas to become an Extension Agent.  Matthew received his Master’s Degree and specializes in landscape and decorative plants, as well as general extension duties.

As it has done for several years, Kiwanis provided a funding grant to the Summer Reading Program conducted by the Washington County Library System, but this year the donation was doubled because the Community Services Committee chaired by LaMerle Feitsma, and the Youth Services Committee chaired by Dell Corbin, combined to support the program rather than funding the purchase of youth books.  Zedra Hawkins, who conducts the Summer Reading Program was on-hand to accept two checks from the Kiwanis committee chairs.

Dr. Sandra Cook, County Superintendent of Schools, provided the main program with an update for Kiwanians about pending actions by the Legislature and possible impacts on county education budgets for next year, and perhaps many future years.  Dr. Cook reminded the audience that the Washington County Voters had approved continuation of the .25 mills Critical Needs Fund ad valorem collection, which will provide about $1,000,000 for the local budget over this year and next year, but certain state and federal matching funds are being terminated.  By being supportive of county education needs, the voters have provided  temporary funding to help offset some of the state and federal funding reductions.

The Washington County education budget is about 80% personnel costs and 20% facilities and operating expenses.  Also, because the county has a smaller population and tax base, only about 30% of the education budget is raised with local taxes and 70% is supported by state programs. 

At present, Dr. Cook reported, it appears the legislature may cut county funding by 5% to 10%, and perhaps 15% in some categories.  A 10% reduction equates to pay and benefit costs for 33 teachers and a 5% cut is equal to 16 teachers.  The School District is operating with 256 teachers, excluding the WHTC, so the loss of 33 teacher positions would be a reduction of 13% and make it impossible to meet class size requirements.  The projected district operating budget for next year is $23,411,000, but Governor Scott’s budget would reduce that by  $2,478,229.  Proposed improvements to school facilities are funded separately, but school additions do become operating costs in later years after construction.

Dr. Cook answered several questions from the audience.  She pointed out that excluding the WHTC staff, the School Board has 448 employees with 256 (57%) being teachers.  Until the Legislature acts and the Governor signs the appropriation bills, the School District cannot be more specific in its planning.  She encourages the public to contact their legislators to look for ways to not affect the educational process of our children.