Tulsa - State budget cuts are now hitting the classrooms of Tulsa Public Schools. There will be several cutbacks that will affect the schools. Plus, it appears layoffs may be on the way.

Tulsa's state funding was cut by 2-point-5 million dollars earlier this year. Now, they are losing an additional one million dollars. While the district has already made cuts, they are now looking at trimming jobs.

Tulsa Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard told NewsChannel 8 he has a group considering what jobs they can do without. He says he's expecting severe budget cuts.

"It's still uncertain, but I think it's in the range of eight to ten million dollars is where I think it is," Ballard said. "And that is essentially where I said it was in September. And this is certainly not an I told you so. It is not that."

It is confusing. Because of federal stimulus dollars, schools have to be funded according to 2009 levels. That would mean the Tulsa Public Schools district is somewhat protected according to Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham.

"Well, for this year, will definitely be for the 2009 levels because we still have some stimulus dollars available we are required to fund schools at least."

But, Dr. Ballard is not convinced.

"We will freeze hiring, we are going to take a look at furloughs and I'm sure we will do furloughs," Ballard said. "We will strongly consider eliminating substitute teachers."

The furloughs wouldn't affect teachers. They will only apply to year-round staff members. Plus, the furloughs will be scheduled for days when classes aren't in session.

Meacham says the situation isn't as dire as Ballard thinks.

"I think it's prudent to make some cuts, because it does look like we are heading toward another difficult budget year next year," said Meacham. "But at the same time, I don't think it is as dire as he thinks it is."

"Jobs will be affected next year," Ballard said. "Ultimately what we will see is a big reduction in the number of administrators in the building and we will go through this building very carefully. That's where we will go first."

Dr. Ballard says if the budget improves, the district will stash the money in the reserve fund, which is lower than expected. Because next year, they may need it.

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