PULASKI, TN (WSMV) -
A mishap with money means job cuts and tough decisions for a local school district.
School leaders in Giles County face a problem they didn't cause, and students may ultimately pay the price when they return for classes next week.
The possible impact on students seems to worry a lot of people in Giles County, where a bookkeeping mistake seems to be making a tough situation only worse.
"We've never had what we thought was an abundance of money," said Director of Schools Tee Jackson.
A clerical error at the county finance office left the district facing a huge problem.
Essentially, the district spent tens of thousands of dollars it didn't really have.
"We don't think any money was missing. You know, we don't know of any missing at all," Jackson said. "There's just some honest mistakes that were made. You know, there was some money that was probably spent that might not have been spent if we had had the accurate information at the time."
But to make up for the discrepancy in the bottom line, the district cut more than 70 jobs, including 24 teaching positions.
The district also cut nine bus drivers and six routes, along with spending for materials, supplies and technology.
"I was very upset. I just wasn't expecting it at all. The first thing I thought of were the kids," said Shannon Shirley, a teacher who lost her job.
Only making things worse is the district's decreasing enrollment. It means less money from the state and more tough decisions for those in charge.
"We probably won't have as much money to spend on technology," Jackson said.
The district's director said the board balanced the budget with a minimal impact on students.
"You know, everything was on the table to be reduced and still is," Jackson said.
The county has not filled its financial director position. The previous director resigned after several bookkeeping issues emerged.
School in Giles County starts Wednesday, Aug. 1.
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