Is the storm over, or are we simply in the eye of hurricane? That is the question district administrators and staff are left to ponder after the latest deluge of budget cuts on March 9.

   The school board struck $4.66 million from the district budget, but with the state legislature posturing at another budget reduction, the board could be facing even deeper cuts before the month is out.

   The March 9 cuts were made with the hope that the state legislature would raise revenue to avoid cutting its public schools again. However, the state has not resolved its $258 million deficit. 

   “We still have the somewhat looming threat of having to go further if the state doesn’t make up revenue,” School Board President Scott Morgan said.

   If the legislature does not raise taxes, the burden will fall on the schools once again, and the district would face further cuts. However, there is mounting pressure on the legislature to raise taxes and spare the schools.

   Principal Matt Brungardt does not foresee more cuts.

   “[I think] what’s ultimately going to happen is another round of cuts won’t happen,” Brungardt said. “I think there’s going to be pressure, and they’re going to raise taxes themselves or they may pass taxing onto the districts.”

   Over the last five years, the state educational budget has decreased 20 percent, and there is no indication that the trend will reverse itself in the near future.

   Over the last calendar year, the district made two cuts: a $3.3 million cut last April and the $4.66 million cut last month which Superintendent Rick Doll called, “the worst budget cutting the state has ever asked us to endure.” However, unless the national economy turns around soon, more cuts are all but inevitable.