Until the Legislature makes a decision, Aiken County school administrators say they won't know whether teacher salaries or positions will be cut in the next budget year.
But an ultimatum from State Education Superintendent Jim Rex on Tuesday to state House members doesn't change the situation.
Dr. Rex told lawmakers Tuesday that either pay or jobs must be cut unless the state allows school districts more flexibility on how they spend their money.
"You don't really want to do either, but if you have to choose between those two we're asking teachers to take it on the chin for one year from a salary freeze in the hopes that it will only be one year," Dr. Rex said.
Aiken County schools Superintendent Beth Everitt said Monday that it's too early to tell what will happen to school budgets and that she wasn't comfortable discussing teachers' jobs.
Salaries and benefits account for about 90 percent of the Aiken County schools' budget. With almost $7 million in cuts this school year, the district is operating at bare bones. The Aiken County school board already has cut a cost-of-living raise from local salary supplements this school year to balance the budget.
Unless the state allows districts to forgo an increase in the state minimum salary, the district might not be able to fill open positions in the next school year.
Tuesday was the first day for lawmakers to begin putting together the next fiscal year's spending plan, and they are facing a bleak budget year. The current budget has been cut by $1 billion.
Dr. Rex said school districts need flexibility to handle the spending cuts so they can avoid pay problems for school bus drivers and teachers. His proposals for the use of state money need legislative approval.
"I'm hoping that next year we're not going to see a major increase in student-teacher ratio. The year after next, if the cuts continue, I think all bets are off," Dr. Rex said.
Since July, schools have lost $334 million and legislators have asked the Education Department how it would cope with a 15 percent cut in what is now a $2.2 billion budget in fiscal year 2010.
Those options include the salary freeze and reduced pay for school bus drivers.
Rep. Roland Smith, R-Aiken, said he didn't want to favor one agency over another, but he was sure legislators would do everything they could for education.
"We haven't ruled out giving a (salary) increase, but we're keeping all options open," Mr. Smith said.
Dr. Rex favors giving the state agency and school districts the freedom to spend more of the state's lottery money on programs paid for through tax collections and less on programs the state mandates.
He also favors shortening the 180-day school requirement and giving school districts the option of four-day weeks.
"I think we are going to give some flexibility, but we'll be looking at (Dr. Rex's) recommendation closely," Mr. Smith said.
Staff Writer Julia Sellers contributed to this report.
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