BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/STAFF WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

COURTLAND—The Southampton County School Board unanimously adopted its $30.3 million budget for fiscal year 2013-14 during Monday’s meeting, but not without some concern and discussion.

Superintendent Alvera Parrish reviewed the budget, which includes $1.17 million for food services. She reminded the school board and the public present that the Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted May 28 for $11.04 million in local funding. The school board had earlier requested $11.64 million.

Based on approved amount, said Parrish, the school board was required to cut $670,601 from the local operating budget.

“Due to lack of funding, five critical needs positions were not funded,” she said.

These are a math position and a Spanish position at the high school; an instructional assistant at the middle school level; a librarian for the elementary level; and an administrative assistant at Riverdale Elementary School.

“I think that Spanish and math are dire needs,” said school board member Denise Bunn. She indicated that perhaps the vote be delayed so that money could be found for those slots.

But Parrish reminded everyone that teacher contracts were scheduled to go out this week, so the budget approval is needed as soon as possible.

The staff was asked to work on the matter, and Christopher Smith Sr., board chairman, suggested a special meeting could be called later when money is found.

“We’ll be going back at board’s request to get the two positions,” said Parrish. “We’ll look at existing revenue. It’ll be tight, but we’ll find a way.”