Superintendent Rex Mitchell, Hamilton County Schools

JASPER — Hamilton County superintendent Rex Mitchell announced a projected $1.3 million deficit for the end of the year at Monday’s meeting.

Mitchell said he became aware of the projection March 30 and has been working with Director of Business Services Michael Vinson to cut costs.

According to Mitchell, a financial recovery plan must be submitted to Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart by Friday and she has 14 days to decide whether to approve the plan or have the state oversee the finances.

Mitchell said the fund balance has $1 million in it to cut the deficit but the school board is required to have three percent of revenues in the fund.

Mitchell said the school board already had a reduction in funds due to the number of students in the school district declining and an increase in spending in transportation and maintenance. With the new elementary school opening next school year and the subsequent closing of Central Hamilton Elementary, North Hamilton Elementary and South Hamilton Elementary, Mitchell believes the costs in maintenance will be reduced and the revenues from transportation will increase.

The school is paid a certain amount per student riding on a bus except for students who live within two miles of the school.

He said since most students will not live within two miles of the new elementary school, revenues should increase.

Mitchell said the budget was also based on additional funding for a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility.

He added this was not based on current discussions with DJJ but when it was previously discussed at the end of 2015 with former superintendent Tom Moffses.

The school departments are currently under a spending freeze unless necessary.

He added that he plans to discuss additional options with staff such as furlough days to decrease costs to avoid a reduction in positions.