The news of Chattooga County Schools going to a four-day school week have stirred alot of discussion about the lack of funds and budget shortfall that the county’s school system is facing.

At a special called meeting Thursday evening the Chattooga County Board of Education voted in favor of the four-day school week as a money-saving move.  The move is expected to save the county’s school system about $250,000 over the next year.  Chattooga County School Supt. Dr. Dwight Pullen told AM 1180 that the move alone will not make up a $2 million deficit that the system is facing, but will mean that system will not have to raise property taxes as much as it would have had the four-day week not been put in place.

Pullen said that unlike the Federal Government, local governments and school systems can not run a deficit, and must meet their financial obligations each year.  Because of this, the system is faced with tough choices during tight financial times.

School Board member Eddie Elsberry stated at Thursday night’s meeting "The thing about the four day school week (is that) minimul people loose jobs.  It’s tough out there and we don’t need more unemployment in Chattooga County.  The four day school week will minimize the situation we are facing.  We have to come up with a balanced budget."