Local schools could be impacted by the government shutdown

NOXUBEE, Miss. (WCBI) – Day 13 of the partial government shutdown is upon us, and many people are looking towards the future.

If the shutdown persists for an extended period of time local schools could soon be feeling the effects.

The holiday season is over and for many families that means it’s time to head back to school. But as the government shutdown drags on, some school districts are looking ahead to what happens if the government doesn’t reopen anytime soon.

“Everything is OK for the moment however looking forward we have to really take into consideration the shutdown,” said Wendi Clark.

Even though many organizations have received their funding for this year, the thought of a prolonged shutdown has many concerned about the next budget.

“It affects our office of federal programs it can affect our food and nutrition department and have us think outside the box at new funding measures for our schools,” said Broadnax.

“We are a 100% title school district; therefore, all of our funds for our students come from the federal government so it will really affect us if it continues. right now we’re fine but long-term we may not be,” said Clark.

When looking towards the future, one thing is on everyone’s minds.

“The students, that’s the number one priority for us,” said Clark.

“Some students rely on our breakfast and lunch right now our food and nutrition department works well and has a very stable budget that will last us through the remainder of this year and probably half of next year, so I think when it comes to our lunches and breakfast I think the District is in good shape,” said Broadnax.

But, it’s not just the kids feeling the impact.

“At least 20 to 30 percent of our staff is funded through our office of federal programs federal dollars we must use that money for programs not only for personnel but for programs for interventions for professional development for travel all those things will get shut down immediately if this continues,” said Broadnax.

No matter the outcome Broadnax says he is already making plans.

“As we prepare for next year’s budget, we will look at can this happen again next year and if so what measures will we take to be ready for any government shut down,” said Broadnax.

The longest government shutdown lasted 21 days during Bill Clinton’s Presidency. So far this year shutdown is the fourth longest in U.S. History.