The Lincoln County School District is preparing for what couldbe a tighter budget in 2001 if state legislators are unable to makeup a significant shortfall in the current budget.

“The governor says he’s going to present a budget that will takecare of the shortfall, but I don’t know what’s going to happen,”Superintendent Perry Miller told board members at their meetingMonday.

Miller informed the board that a revised budget for theremainder of the school year was currently being worked on andwould probably be presented for board approval in January.

“We are looking at cutting at least $140,000 out of our currentschool budget,” said Miller.

He added that a “ray of hope” for the school district came lastweek when an oil company announced they would be drilling on someof the district’s 16th Section land. The chance of striking oil,though, is only about 20 percent, said Miller.

Also during last night’s meeting, board members made a motionfor Miller to accept the lowest and most qualified bid on Dec. 8for two upcoming projects: the roofs at Bogue Chitto and Loyd StarAttendance Centers.

In other matters, school board members made plans for their nextmeeting, which will be held Jan. 8, 2001. Board member-elect JohnnyHart will be sworn in for his first term on the school board, whileDistrict One board member Jerry Coon will be sworn in again after20 years on the board.

Hart observed last night’s meeting to get acquainted with schoolboard procedures. He plans on meeting with current District Twoboard member Randall Lofton and Miller soon to learn more about thedistrict’s policies.

Lofton, who chose not to seek reelection, was honored for hissix years of service to the school district during a banquet in theState Room last night.

The school board will not hold a second December meeting due tothe upcoming holidays.