Chattahoochee County School District Searching For Ways To Save

The Superintendent of Chattahoochee County Schools says the announcement about cutbacks and suggested furloughs could not have come at a worse time. Today was their first day of school. But he says it’s just a rift they will have to work through.

School is back in session for Chattahoochee students. This year may be a challenge for some of them, try taking a walk in their teachers shoes.

“I always thought that teachers would be taken care of because we take care of our nation, our students,“ says school teacher Maeletha Dixon.

She is among thousands of Georgia teachers that could be affected by a 3 day furlough.

“I gotta try to figure out a way to do my budget because that’s a chunk of money coming out of my pay.“

School Superintendent Jimmy Martin says “ our primary job is to educate our kids and that job is a little bit more difficult because of our funding issues.“

Martin says things may be difficult but they are looking at other avenues that will help teachers and the schools save money.

“I’ve told them the reality of the situation but at the same time, let them know were going to do everything we can to make the right decision.“

One decision; a called meeting. Martin wants to meet with the district’s teachers to get feedback on their thoughts about the furloughs and cutbacks.

“When you’re talking about peoples lively hood, things of that sort, you know, I want to talk to people who are going to be affected.“

Dixon was quite pleased with his decision “We were very happy when we heard that he said he’s not gonna be the first to jump into anything and that made me happy to know that he’s thinking about us and our situation.“

One thing Martin says he won’t compromise on?

“I do not want it to affect instruction in the classroom.“

The meeting for the teachers is scheduled for August 7th.