Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/122777
ON THE WAY OUT Deputy Chief Financial Officer Al Weidner discusses budget matters with the School Board in November 2012. Photo by Scott Proffitt THE ATTEMPT TO SAVE MEDIA SPECIALISTS' JOBS APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED AS THE SCHOOL BOARD FACES MORE RED INK By Scott Proffitt Staff Writer Because of the need to maintain a level of 7.5 percent in its reserve fund, the Sarasota County School Board members agreed during a meeting on Tuesday, April 16, that they would have to cut media specialists' positions in district middle and high schools next year. Chief Financial Officer Al Weidner noted that spending for the next several years would continue to outpace income. While the district has reserves, Weidner pointed out that because funding comes into the district early each fiscal year, by summer, schools often have to reThose specialists will be replaced by para- sort to reserves for their operating costs. professional aides at The fiscal year starts a savings of $595,086, on Oct. 1. according to budget We're looking at a $9 million hole. "If we have no, or limprojections. ited, reserves we have Frank Kovach During an hour-long to borrow money, Member Sarasota County School Board budget presentation costing us even more," to the board, Deputy Weidner said.