Deficit reduction on Du Quoin school board meeting at 5 p.m. today

The Du Quoin Board of Education is meeting at 5 p.m. today in special session and one of the items on the agenda is "Development of a deficit reduction plan as part of the 2013-2014 school year budget process."

Other items include the resignation of Ryan Heape as Du Quoin Middle School 5th and 6th grade basketball coach and the employment of 21st Century program personnel, a high school assistant volleyball coach and approval of volleyball and football assistant volunteers.

With respect to the deficit reduction initiative, Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly comments: "There are a number of considerations the board has been provided to examine and they may have a few ideas of their own. Some of the numbers may get better this year, but not enough to stave off this size of deficit. As we prepare for the remainder of the year and for the future there are going to be several pieces that will need to be considered. I had an interesting conversation the other day with a parent who gave us huge credit for being able to hold off on any significant cuts for the past few years since many districts have made cuts the past few years. It is good to know we do get some credit for the good things we try to do in the name of academics. The priority of preserving core academic programs should be a priority. Any changes the board approves will be made public."