Since Superintendent Dr. Darron Edwards assumed leadership of the Yazoo City Municipal School District last summer, the district financial status has improved significantly.
The announcement was warmly welcomed during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Monday afternoon as Letitia Johnson, director of the district’s business affairs, gave a financial breakdown of the school system.
“We know money can’t solve all our problems,” Edwards said. “But when we can save some, it helps. I have only been here ten months. I told you when I came in, we were going to cut personnel, and we have done that significantly. I know that they have been running to you, telling you certain things. But I am here to win, not for myself, but for the children.”
Despite an increase in savings, Johnson said the district has seen two cuts from state funding.
“That funds the majority of our school activities,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the district received a total allocation at the beginning of the year of around $12 million.
“We have received two cuts so far this year of $111, 000,” Johnson said. “What we had to do in order to sustain and stay aboard with those cuts is cuts in personnel, travel and contractual service. We want to make sure we provide the students of the Yazoo City Municipal School District an education with all that they need and still continue to move on with the cuts that we have.”
And Johnson said more cuts may arrive in the future.
“We received a letter from the government to anticipate another cut in June,” she said. “We are looking for that cut.”
Edwards arrived at the district on July 1, 2016. From that point until March 31, Johnson said the district fund balance has increased $1.5 million.
