MARTINS FERRY, Ohio -- Martins Ferry schools are heading into a state of fiscal watch. They have to submit a recovery plan to the State of Ohio soon, showing how they'll cut $1.1 million from their budget.
This has prompted rumors that the arts are going to be eliminated.
The board of education reportedly has a three-pronged plan. First, a salary freeze and a 5 percent across the board pay cut.
Everyone from the superintendent to the bus drivers will take home 5 percent less in their pay.
“The second one is health care. And we are negotiating with our union right now on some changes to health care. That'll give us about a $364,000 cut. The 5 percent will give us about 457. We're looking at $1.1 million. So we still have $300,000 and I have made some cutbacks with that $300,000 third proposal.” Martins Ferry Superintendent Nick Stankovich said.
But that won't fix the whole problem. Rumors are flying that the budget will be balanced on the backs of art and music. Officials say there are three positions that might be eliminated and one of those could be a middle school music teacher.
However, Stankovich said the arts will continue, with other teachers taking on different duties. He added they will continue to have a band, and music and arts in the schools.
“We're tying not to lose anything with this, just make some different adjustments.” Stankovich said.
While fiscal watch is certainly not ideal, the next step is fiscal emergency, which Bellaire Schools are facing now. According to Stankovich, It is imperative that Martins Ferry Schools get their financial house in order before that happens.
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