Meeting scheduled to discuss school budget crisis

With the Legislature at a stalemate and no budget yet, Carson City school officials are working to maintain normalcy amid questions bordering on hysteria.

Will school open on time?

Will teachers be paid?

Will there be any money for books?

"All those things are a little premature," said financial director Bob Anderson. "We're continuing to go about business as normal and make sure we're prepared for school to open."

There will be no need for concern until August.

"We've got enough cash flow to cover us through the Aug. 15 payroll," he said. "We've been hoarding cash because we thought something like this might happen."

Anderson will discuss the possibilities with members of the Carson City School Board during a special meeting tonight.

Although Anderson expects a bill to have been approved by August, if one is not passed, he said, the district may seek a loan.

The school district relies on money from the state's distributive account to make up about 40 percent of its annual budget.

Carson City schools receive about $1.7 million each month -- nearly meeting the cost of salaries.

The amount of state funds each school district receives varies depending on the amount that district generates in property and sales taxes.

Schools received their June allotment from the state but may not receive July's if a budget is not determined.

"If there's no budget, that will mean financial catastrophe for the state," Anderson said. "I think there will be a solution sooner than later. You have to be optimistic."

A self-imposed hiring freeze is still in effect in Carson City.

Principals have been interviewing qualified candidates but have not been able to offer a formal contract.

"It's going to be a scramble once we get the green light from the Legislature," said Richard Stokes, associate superintendent of human resources. "We're anxious and hope the legislators are able to solve the tax issue. But we have to wait and watch like everybody else."

If You Go:

What: Carson City School Board meeting

When: 7 tonight

Where: Carson City Community Center