County 2-11

As the district readies to cut some $6 million from its general fund later this month, Santa Barbara School District’s Franklin Elementary School got some great news this week thanks to a local tech company. Software firm QAD dropped by Franklin to Monday to announce a donation of some $24,000 to the school. The grant will allow the school to add two new computer stations to each classroom.

•••

With the governor having to cut nearly $20 billion in state services over the next 18 months, the Board of Supervisors has some tough decisions upcoming since it will cost Santa Barbara County nearly $39 million to keep staffing levels where they currently are. The large figure stems from an increase in employee benefits and rising health insurance premiums. In coming weeks, as the June budget hearings loom, the board will hear trimming proposals from each department.