Staff Writer

Despite financial troubles, local school superintendents are looking forward to the bell ringing again on Monday.

"Each year is a new challenge," said Hank Jones, superintendent of the Troy City Schools. "And, we’re looking forward to getting everyone into a routine."

Jones anticipates "lots of exciting things" in the Troy City Schools this year, even though administrators will have to county each penny before it’s spent.

"Financially, things are going to be tight," Jones said. "We are going to have to be careful with the dollars we have."

Some existing funds for improvements were used over the summer for such things as a new coat of paint throughout Troy Elementary School, some tile work and having all the carpets cleaned at the schools.

With a few minor things left to do, Jones said the school system is "ready to go" into a new year.

Last week, teachers in the Pike County Schools spent two days in a series of workshops that included instruction required by the State Department of Education, said John Key, superintendent of the county school system. Afterwards, they were tested on what they had learned.

"We have made the usual preparations for our students," Key said.

But, when classroom doors open on Monday, students will find some changes on the high school campuses.

Key said there will be more students in classes at the high school level and fewer electives because of financial restraints caused by proration. Also, teachers will be providing instruction in two and even three course subjects.

"It’s been rougher on the teachers," Key said. "So far, they’ve done it because they understand the situation."

Key said the school system "will provide the education needed by our students," despite the extra tightening of the budget that will be $340,000 in the hole after the anticipated additional 1 percent proration is declared.

"We’re looking forward to a good year despite the burdens we’re experiencing because of funding," Key said.

Cuts in funding from the state because of proration have forced both school systems to make choices and they will continue to do so during the 2001-2002 school year.