Improvement projects planned for schools all over Utah could be delayed because of state money problems.
Education Specialist Nadine Wimmer looked into what this means for parents and students.
If their school was expecting a new baseball field or computer lab, they be could disappointed.
State revenues are falling short, and it's put the squeeze on all agencies, including education.
The ripped up parking lot at Eastmont Middle School is only temporary until crews can build a new one.
But at other schools, upgrades may not materialize because the state has put a freeze on millions of dollars.
Superintendent Barry Newbold/Jordan School District: "WE'RE BEING TOLD IT'S A HOLD BACK OF FUNDS. IT'S A BIG DEAL TO US."
Nadine Wimmer, Eyewitness News: "SCHOOLS ALL OVER UTAH ARE SCHEDULED FOR PROJECTS LIKE NEW LOCKERS, UPGRADED FIRE ALARMS, NEW ROOFS. BUT ANY THAT AREN'T ALREADY STARTED WILL BE PUT ON HOLD UNTIL THE STATE FREES UP THE MONEY."
"THOSE THINGS THAT ARE ALREADY IN PROCESS WILL CONTINUE. WHAT WE'LL HAVE TO DO NOW IS GO BACK TO THOSE PROJECTS THAT WERE GOING TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NEXT MAY AND PUT OUR 0WN HOLDBACK ON ABOUT 2 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF PROJECTS."
One month into the state's budget year, revenue projections are short as much as $80-million.
State analysts say it's better to be cautious now than in debt later.
So 18 school districts will have to go back to their budget books and decide who gets the new gym floor, bleachers and air conditioning, and who will have to wait.
"THERE WILL BE A LOT OF DISAPPOINTMENT OUT THERE, BECAUSE THESE ARE THINGS WE BELIEVE WILL ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM."
Education administrators will watch this closely. They fear if projections continue to fall short, the cuts may apply to more than just school buildings and construction projects.
--July 30, 2001--
