Stillwater Public Schools Plans To Make Budget Cuts

The recession may be over, but state education funds are even lower than before. Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) is just one example of a much larger issue.

"I think the way of solving the problem is not cutting the schedule," said Stillwater Junior Heather Deal. "I think the way to solve the problem is with administration."

Stillwater High School operates with block scheduling, and juniors Brin Bliss and Heather Deal hope to keep it that way.

"It's something really important to us, and if we pay more attention to it, maybe we can get something done," Bliss said.

2/4/2014 Related Story: New OKC School Board Plan Expected To Save Millions, Administrators Lose Jobs

SPS and Superintendent Dr. Ann Caine plan to cut $1.8 million from the district's budget and modify block scheduling to save money. Other cuts include about 40 positions, something Dr. Caine feels she has to do.

"I feel like I have a noose around my neck, because the issues we are having with funding are forcing us to make decisions we don't want to make," Dr. Cain said.

Since 2009, state education funding has dropped almost 23 percent, the worst percentage in the nation. Stillwater officials found that's a $2.3 million loss for their district this year.

"You wouldn't do this to any business, but somehow for public ed, it's ok," Dr. Caine said.

In a statement to News 9, Governor Fallin's office said she wants to get back to 2009 levels, but asks districts to be patient by saying in part, "The state as whole has less money to build on this year... a reality that makes it difficult to increase spending in any area."

"I have a wealth of patience, and my patience is gone," Dr. Caine said.

Also worth noting, in her 2015 budget, Governor Fallin did propose a 50 million dollar increase to local school district operations.