By MONA NAIR
6 News Reporter
MAYNARDVILLE (WATE) – Union County School Board members say they plan to turn over a new leaf this year to avoid another budget crisis.
The district has a new budget and a new plan for how school board members want to operate after last year's budget problems.
The 2011-2012 school year ended with students having to find their own way to class. Bus service was canceled to save money.
By the end of the year, many locals like Eugene Brantley were fed up of seeing their community suffer, because of politics.
"If the school board and others would just come together and compromise, they can get things done," Brantley said.
Board members and administrators say they plan to change the way they do things, going into this school year.
"It was a stressful time and there were a lot of ill feelings between the board and the county commission. There was a lot of mistrust. I hope to mend the fences between the school board and the county commission. We're on our way there," said Director of Schools Jimmy Carter.
In fact, members have already agreed on a new budget. It's a little more than $21 million. About $1 million will go towards recovering from last year's budget crunch.
Ultimately, the intention for the new year is for students to not become casualties in petty politics.
Some cuts were made to balance the 2012-2013 budget. Some retired teachers will not be replaced and teachers will get less money to buy supplies.
The level of insurance staff receive was also cut.
Board members and administrators say they plan to change the way they do things, going into this school year.
