AM850.com

Schools in Alachua County are feeling the effects of a troubled economy. School Board Assistant Superintendant for Planning and Budget, Keith Burkett says steps have already been taken to help with this year's reduced budget, including cutting art and music classes. He says the budget is 14-million-dollars less than last year's, but he's hopeful the situation will improve next year with an initiative. If the initiative does not pass, Burkett says it could mean big trouble for the county's schools. He says more cuts are predicted for next year and that would mean more programs would need to be cut.