Disappointed: This is the one word that describes my feelings as we have entered the budgeting process with the Oconee County Council. We were invited to present information to the county earlier this week; however, it appears that political decisions may have been made regarding funding prior to any presentation or action of the school board. The council even asked for additional information that took hours to compile but was never considered.

The school board, schools, teachers, and parents are held accountable to the state and federal government for performance. These same groups are powerless when it comes to establishing schools funding.

The children and community members may be hurt by programs that may not be able to be funded if the County Council does not reconsider the action of the Finance Committee. The programs include grant-funded programs that had reduced the taxpayer burden, but have run their natural course and cannot be continued without additional financial support.

Teacher pay in our district is seventh among the eight school districts (Anderson 1-5, Pickens, and Greenville) in our area, and we may not be able to address this issue as we enter the hiring process for the 2008-09 school year. A highly skilled and caring teacher is the most important element in promoting student success.

Several new personnel may not be able to be added because requests cannot be honored. This includes high school nurses and a reading/literacy coach at the high school level.

The school district has worked to reduce school operational millage from a high of 126 in 2003 to the low of 109.8 in 2008. Efficiencies have been instituted to make sure that the maximum amount of resources reach the classroom, but the school district may be penalized by not allowing it to increase expenditures slightly to provide enhancements to the instructional programs.

The school district has worked to maintain its buildings in a fashion to obtain maximum utility.

The request for increased supplies, materials, and costs associated with this maintenance may be impacted by a decision made today.

The school district has performed well on state and national measures, as well as gaining national attention as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. This did not come from a complacent staff, but one that endeavors to provide the very best for our youth in Oconee County.

The school board has worked to collaborate with all of the local governmental entities. The district has provided municipal, county, and regional governments with opportunities that have saved taxpayer money. It appears that this collaboration may only be one-sided.

Hopeful: It is critically important that we provide a school system that prepares students for the future and attracts economic development.

I remain hopeful that the entire county council will reconsider the action taken as a finance committee. Failure to do so may mean many disappointments in opportunities for the future.

Michael Lucas is District Superintendent of Oconee