By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State Schools Superintendent Ed Richardson says textbooks, computers and classroom supplies will be drastically reduced during fiscal year 2004, which begins October first. Richardson and state Finance Director Drayton Nabers said yesterday about about 65 million dollars will be cut from supplies, textbook and computer purchases. They say teacher development programs also will suffer. Richardson and Nabers say it is very likely money for the state Department of Education will be reduced, including funds for programs to help keep students in school and tutoring programs for the high school graduation exam. Richardson expects the education budget to lose 93 million dollars. Richardson says the state education department will release several experts hired to help school systems suffering from academic and financial problems. He says those experts in the Birmingham school system will be removed Monday.