The Fulton

County Board of Education is waiting a little longer before it approves

a budget for this year.

When it does,

it will have to deal with a $32 million shortfall, and decide whether

to fund a 4.5 percent salary increase being pushed by the governor.

The board cancelled

a meeting last night at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School. Planned purpose

of the meeting was to approve millage rates for fiscal year 2002, adopt

salary schedules, and adopt the tentative budget for the 2001-2002 school

year.

Action on those

items now will be taken at the board's legislative session May 10 at 7

p.m., at Dunwoody Springs Elementary, 8100 Roberts Drive.

This year's

first look at the budget is $612 million, which includes the cost of the

desired improvements and the governor's suggested 4.5 percent salary increase.

But expected

revenues are expected to generate only $590 million, which leaves the

budget with a $32 million shortfall.

Fulton officials

are now taking suggestions from the board as to which of the $32 million

in improvements they feel are most critical for next year.

Fulton officials

said staff may reduce suggested allocations for or eliminate improvements

all together during the budget balancing process.

The board also

will consider whether to approve a budget with the 4.5 percent salary

increase for system employees.

school system must conduct a public hearing before approving a budget

with less than the 4.5 percent state salary increase suggested by the

governor.

There is no

word on what will ultimately be proposed.