The rising cost of gas may be forcing area schools to cut corners.

Administrators have already been told funding will be tight for next year, which could lead to cuts in programs.

At Mckinnley Elementary, students are learning how to play instruments, but this program is in jeopardy because their school is running out of money.

Third and fifth graders take a lessons once a week thanks to Barthelmes Conservatory, but the program was only funded for one year. To keep it going, the school has raised $1,200, and just today, a donor added the $1,500 it will take to pay for a private teacher.

They still need 16 instruments so every child has one.

"We've been able to evaluate and assess our musically gifted students and it's given them an opportunity they never would have had if the conservatory hadn't come here," says Sharon Hatfield, McKinnley Music Teacher.

Tulsa School officials have less than two months to decide where cuts will be made. A budget must be in place and board approved by July 1.

Email To A Friend