Schools

Furloughs, Shortened Year, Eliminated Positions Possibilities for City Schools

Cartersville Schools officials also lay out the rationale behind moving from a block schedule to a traditional period plan at the high school.

In a statement released on the system's website, officials say personnel cuts, including furlough days, eliminated positions or a shortened school year, are possibilities as federal and state funding dwindles.

"The system continues to monitor the financial outlook closely," it says. "All indications from state and federal sources are trending for a continuation of loss of revenue from both of these venues.

"Therefore, it is incumbent on the system to continue to look for ways to maximize its funding with as little impact on the instructional program as possible. Over the past few years, the system has made necessary cuts with very little impact.Β  The only way to keep up with this trend is to start looking at personnel cuts....All of these strategies are currently being utilized by most school systems throughout the state. Locally, the school system has not raised taxes during the time of this economic downturn."

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The announcement comes on the heals of a decision to move to a it has had for 15 years.

Officials say the state's change of the accountability system, which significantly raises the minimum standards for all students, and financial concerns were factors in the decision.

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With the new period schedule, students would have fewer elective course offerings from which to choose. In the statement, officials list several advantages and a few disadvantages of the change.

Bartow Schools moved to a seven-period day last year. Faced with similar funding cuts, county schools have operated a and teachers are required to take .

Cartersville High staffers by Dec. 6 are expected to make a recommendation for either six or seven periods.Β 

"A strong argument can be made for either schedule," according to the statement. "A seven-period day gives more elective opportunities for students; a six-period day gives more class time per day for each subject."

The new schedule will take effect for the 2012-2013 school year.


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