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The job held by Roger Pauley, special programs director, was cut in the budget process. The move will save the district an estimated $110,000. Responsibilities from Pauley's job that included the migrant program, Title I, at-risk, enrichment, and facilities will now be shared between Superintendent Steve Zott and other administrators.

"We will use $286,000 in fund equity and have $14.3 million in revenue and $14.5 million in expenditures," Zott said. "For the fourth consecutive year we'll have a deficit spending and nobody wants to have a deficit budget."

Almont Community Schools Board of Education President Nancy Boxey said a five-year goal has been set in the district there.

"We have been operating using fund equity the last several years, but our district has been fortunate," she said. "Looking at our situation we felt comfortable using close to $300,000 in fund equity. We keep squeezing and we're able to hold the line."

Zott said running a school district is definitely a "people business" since 80% of the budget is spent on salaries and added eliminating Pauley's position wasn't a pleasant decision. The district has squeezed from other areas.

"We've reduced hours with parapros and aides. We're not buying buses," he said. "We've reduced our supplies and maintenance. We've done squeezing for so many years. Overall we're still with a fund balance ($1.5 million). Today we're OK. We need some help from the state at some point and the economy's going to have to turn."

The board also: