That's what David Syfan said at a well-attended community meeting on school issues hosted by the Parent Education Committee, the Newtown Florist Club and the local NAACP at Bethel AME Church on Mill Street.
Board members including Syfan, Maria Calkins, Chairman Willie Mitchell and Sammy Smith fielded questions from a prepared two-page list that dealt with issues including the budget deficit and Superintendent Steve Ballowe's future with the system.
"I don't think I'll be ready to vote on the budget by Monday and I doubt that the other board members will be ready," Syfan said.
Syfan expects the board will opt for at least one 30-day spending resolution to buy time to get the budget ready, plug in cuts and try to reduce the $6.5 million deficit.
Syfan said he expects a lot a work ahead on budget cuts at Saturday's board retreat.
"Some of the things are likely to have an impact on personnel and people and I don't know that I want to make a quick decision, I want to think about it."
Mitchell said he sees nothing on upcoming meeting schedules either Saturday or Monday concerning a decision on Ballowe's evaluation and contract.
Mitchell added that could change with a board member's motion.
"It could change because board members have the privilege to add things to the agenda," Mitchell said. "In fact I asked David (David Syfan) was there anything he wanted to add to the agenda and he said he would get back with me, so it could change."
Lora Thomas, acting chairwoman of the Parent Education Committee, gave board members an A-plus for their efforts to answer the laundry list of questions about the financially troubled school system.
"They didn't answer all the questions but I feel like they will eventually get to them and hopefully have the answers," Thomas said.
Thomas said board member replies to budget questions and dissolving the school system gave her confidence.
"Some of the questions about the budget and not dissolving the Gainesville School System was one of my main concerns," Thomas added.
Filled pews at Bethel AME Church
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/6/211134