By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The Chilton County Board of Education held a budget hearing on Sept. 1 to discuss the proposed budget for the 2017 fiscal year.

Members discussed the overall budget and a breakdown for 2017, and the board has a positive outlook for next year.

“We are in really good shape,” said Superintendent Tommy Glasscock.

Glasscock said the board has been creative with their resources to save money, even with less funds coming in from some of the state’s programs. The county will have the highest reserve it has ever had in 2017 if all goes according to the current projection.

Next year, the board’s proposed budget provides for plans to build a gym at Jemison Middle School and for some roofing on Verbena, Maplesville and Thorsby schools.

The board is proud that they have not had to use any local units to fill roles in the schools. The board said that is very unusual, and counts it as a success.

Many cuts to costs have been made in utilities in the past year, and low gas prices are contributing to a shrink in costs for the transportation budget.

The board also discussed the proposed budget’s inclusion of more spending on technology. The board is considering putting more money into this area because, as one member put it, of  “how things are headed with technology.”

The board will meet again to discuss and approve a budget for 2017 on Sept. 13. Board meeting times can be found on the calendar at chilton.k12.al.us.