Education leaders: Funds could be withheld for gas, bonuses

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

RALEIGH (AP) ó State education officials are warning that they may have to withhold $50 million from school districts so thereís enough money for gasoline and teacher bonuses.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that the state Board of Education held an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
One problem has been sharp rises in the price of diesel fuel. Even though the state gets districts a lower bulk rate at $4 a gallon, the discounted rate was $2.13 a gallon this time a year ago.
Associate state superintendent Philip Price also said the preliminary state budget provides $70 million to pay teacher bonuses that are based on how well students do on state exams. Thatís about $37 million less than what school leaders say is needed.
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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com