While some school districts in northeast Oklahoma are announcing voluntary furlough days or four-day weeks, Tahlequah Public Schools may not have to take such drastic action.

The I-35 District’s comparative stability is due in large part to substantial grant funding the district receives in both federal formula and discretionary competitive grants.

A list of cost-cutting options released last week by TPS officials has sparked concerns in the community, and several teachers and staff members have contacted the Daily Press to report on fears circulating through the employee ranks.

Among the suggestions for potential cuts are compression of administrative staff, a reduction in force, and the re-evaluation of federal funds to assist with the general fund. A number of district patrons have indicated they believe the district is “administration heavy,” and said they believe this would be the best area to start whittling.

Several have stressed, however, that they aren’t talking about positions funded by grants, but “redundant” positions paid through the school budget, some of which are mid-level managerial staff members.

To illustrate how integral grant funding is to the welfare of the district, the Daily Press obtained from Assistant Superintendent Billie Jordan a list of both formula and discretionary grants that pay salaries. The total of both formula and discretionary grants that have salary components is a little over $4.16 million. Of that amount, $3,231,515 is used to pay salaries for several positions.

In fact, all three assistant superintendents – Jordan, Anita Lightcap and Lisa Presley – as well as Jordan’s assistant, Christie Gonzales, rely solely on grant funding for not only their individual salaries, but for their benefits and insurance. In other words, say local residents familiar with the intricacies of grant-writing, cutting these positions would not help alleviate the budget problem, and could actually make it worse.

According to Connie Garrett, personnel manager for TPS, Jordan’s base salary is $75,777; Presley’s is $73,777; Lightcap’s is $51,909; and Gonzales’ is $40,317.

Former TPS Board of Education member Tony Boyle said this district is in less dire straits than others due to Jordan’s diligence, and oversight from the board.

“There is nothing extravagant or wasteful about the way they shift federal funds throughout the district to make things work,” said Boyle. “They husband our resources appropriately. We’ve managed to maintain a reserve that’s crucial, especially when starting a new school year.”