The Mississippi School of the Arts has so far been spared thebudget ax and officials are keeping their “fingers crossed” that nocuts are forthcoming.

With state revenue collections lagging and an outlook that’s notpromising, a second round of budget cuts totaling $116 million wereordered this week by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove. Agencies have untilMarch 1 to decide where to make cuts.

Dr. Vicki Bodenhamer, MSA executive director, said she had notbeen notified that her area would be impacted by the latest round.She said the Department of Education, which is seeing a $64 millionreduction, held back a significant portion of funding for variousareas earlier this year in anticipation of cuts.

“We haven’t heard there’s been any cuts, but it’s only been aday or two” since cuts were ordered, Bodenhamer said.

The director said the funding situation is a “serious concern.”There were no cuts last year because of MSA’s small budget, but anypossible reductions this year could impact its ability to hirestaff.

“They’re aware of our critical need for staff,” Bodenhamersaid.

Dist. 92 Rep. Dr. Jim Barnett is closely watching the situationin the legislature.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed there won’t be any cuts for thearts school project,” Barnett said.

Around the legislature, Barnett said is taking a low-keyapproach regarding the arts school. He said it’s a case ofsometimes ‘the less said the better’ and not raising the school asa target for cuts.

“Right now, we’re still in there,” Barnett said.

While agencies deal with this year’s reductions, lawmakers areworking on next year’s budget plans.

MSA-related funding measures include Barnett’s up to $2 millionbond bill for building renovations and $1.5 million for operations.The bills are still pending.

“As it stands now, it’s what we ask for,” Barnett said.

If the school doesn’t get the $1.5 million for operations,Bodenhamer said it can’t open in fall 2003 as planned.

“We’ve been told it looks promising,” Bodenhamer said aboutfunding. “But, a lot of things can happen when they’re consideringissues that affect the entire state.”

Barnett said school plans remain on track until someone tellshim differently. He did, however, sound a note of caution as allareas of state government are being affected by the budgetsituation.

“I don’t have a crystal ball to look at that, but I’m moreconcerned about next year than this year,” Barnett said.

Bodenhamer said school officials will not know their fundingsituation for certain until the end of the legislative session. Sheexpected budget and funding issue to go down to the wire.

“It’s very complex and very complicated,” Bodenhamer said.