Another $7 million hidden from Manatee County school budget

At a Dec. 4 board meeting, Interim Manatee County Schools Superintendent David Gayler announced another $7 million of items that were previously unbudgeted in the district’s budget.

According to Gayler, who took office in October after former superintendent Tim McGonegal resigned over the announcement of a $3.4 million budget deficit, a 1% bonus promised to staff totalling $2.5 million was left out of the budget.

Other expenditures missing include overtime pay, money for the international baccalaureate program at three schools, busing to athletic events and band uniforms.

Budget estimates for utility bills and payment for unused sick and vacation days are underbudgeted by $1.5 million.

Gayler said he would makeup for the losses by cutting from the district’s food service program and by limiting overtime.

The district also won't implement a proposed $2.5 million in raises for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Supervisory and Managerial Personnel and the Manatee Education Association.
Gayler will meet with department heads to discuss other savings opportunities.

But the district would still need to find $2.8 million in savings to fund the unbudgeted items, which is in addition to the  $3.4 million deficit that was revealed in September.