GCPS Tentatively Adopts 2013-2014 Budget, Adds Resource Officers

The Gwinnett County Board of Education "tentatively" adopted a $1.8 billion budget for the 2013-2014 school year during a special called meeting Tuesday.

Board member Louise Radloff made the motion to adopt . Board members then voted unanimously to approve it.

The budget is a decrease of $12.8 million, or .7 percent, over the current year.

Among the budget highlights are:

• No teacher furlough days
• One additional school resource office per cluster
• Increase in school lunch prices

There will now be two public hearings before the final adoption.

What do you think of this proposed budget?

The first public hearing is 7 p.m., May 9; the second public hearing is 6 p.m., May 16. Both meetings take place at the district headquarters in Suwanee.

Final adoption of the budget is planned May 16, as well. The new millage rate will also be tentatively set. The final millage rate will be set sometime in June.

Board Chairwoman Carole Boyce lauded teachers for their continued efforts, in spite of challenging budget times.

"They've had to learn how to do things in different ways," she said. "If nothing else, our teachers are very resilient. Our teachers are resourceful."

"They continue to give the very best that they can," she added.

The vote took place at Meadowcreek High School, which also played host to the District 5 area school board meeting on April 16.