APS to Hold Public Meeting on School Budget

From Patch Staff

The APS will hold a community meeting Tuesday, April 26, on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2012, according to an APS announcement.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Morris Brandon Elementary Primary Campus, 2845 Margaret Mitchell Drive. The proposed budget will be presented and school district officials will answer questions.  

The proposed budget is $578 million, an $11 million reduction from the current year’s operating budget. Georgia school districts are required by law to have balanced budgets in place by the beginning of the new school year.

The district has compensated for state funding cuts and reductions in property tax revenues due to economic conditions through austerity measures, an APS press release said. As in past years, APS department budgets are being cut for the next fiscal year. And as in past years, there will be no cost of living or step increases for employees. Two involuntary furlough days are incorporated into the proposed budget.          

APS is funded by property tax revenues and state appropriations for education.

The Atlanta Board of Education tentatively approved the proposed budget on Monday. The budget comes to the board again for final approval on May 9.        

APS scheduled four meetings on the budget around the city. Two have already been held. A final meeting is Thursday, April 28 at Parkside Elementary, 685 Mercer St. S.E.