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MCCOMB, Miss. (AP) — South Pike School District trustees have approved a budget that projects a $1 million deficit.
The Enterprise-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/VcaTAt ) officials are considering consolidating four schools into two to reduce staffing and cut operating costs.
The $17.3 million budget includes a 7 percent tax increase, the maximum permitted by law. But officials say the district expects to spend $18.3 million over the coming fiscal year.
Officials say money in the district's reserve fund will be used to cover the deficit.
The board is considering consolidation of Eva Gordon Upper and Lower elementary schools into one campus, as well as merging South Pike Junior High and High schools as a long-term, cost-cutting measure.
In another cost-saving move, trustees are reducing working hours for most cafeteria workers by half an hour per day.
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Information from: Enterprise-Journal, http://www.enterprise-journal.com
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