Alabamians Enter Into Proration

Layoffs, cutting programs, cutting positions… These are the possibilities for school districts who will have state monies cut short due to smaller state revenues.  But Jefferson County School officials believe they’re in a great position - prepared for the worst.

Alison Jakaitis is a first year counselor at Erwin Elementary.  She chose this career path to make a difference in the lives of children. 

Erwin Elementary Counselor Alison Jakaitis said, “Being in a school setting is a great way to be in lots of lives at one time”

As a first year counselor, right out of graduate school, Jakaitis doesn’t have tenure and if she weren’t in the Jefferson County School District, she might be in jeopardy of losing her job.

Chief Financial Officer for Jefferson County Schools, Sheila Jones said, “We fully expect it will happen in 2009 and in 2010.“

Jones’ district is getting ready for proration - that’s where the state cuts budgets in all departments to meet the mandated balanced budget requirement.  That includes a local school district’s funds despite already promising so many dollars.

Jones said, “I guess the key thing I would want everyone to know, especially anyone who works for Jefferson County Board is not to worry about job security.  We are in a very good financial situation to weather the storm of proration.“

The county is expecting three percent increase in revenues annually and has already cut one-point-seven million in teacher units, through attrition and retirement.

At least right now - Jakaitis has no worries about being untenured during proration.

Jakaitis said, “I know, I’m doing my job to the best of my ability, and meeting all the standards and competency that I’m supposed to be and also, the amount of students that we have dictates my position.“

On the November fourth ballot - Alabamians will be asked to decide if lawmakers can borrow from the state trust fund – but whether it passes or nor, state officials say proration will still be needed.