Pelican All Saints High School Money Woes

From counting their blessings, to pinching their pennies, things have changed in DeSoto Parish. Revenue from the Haynesville Shale pushed school tax collections from almost 14 million in 2007-2008 to a peak of almost 73 million in 2010-2011.

The numbers are on their way back down for 2012 and 2013 but parish officials are learning an expensive lesson; one that could cost them a school.

As the budget woes of the parish affect the school system, it hasn't touched the sheriff's department. The economic boom from the Haynesville Shale is now a bust in DeSoto Parish. Sales tax funds are reported to have dropped by 70 percent last year and that's affecting the next school year.

"I have a responsibility to provide an adequate education to all children and we just have to look at this point at what's the most cost effective way to do that" said superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley.

Dr. Brumley is planning to close Pelican All Saints High School to help balance his budget and parents of the school are angry with that plan.

Parent Rhonda Clark is one the many parents upset. She says her kids already have to get up at 5:30am to catch the bus at 6:20 in the morning.

While the lack of funds is hurting one department, it hasn't touched another. DeSoto Parish sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says he saw this shortfall coming.

"This is great but we can't plan on this every year, we going to have to do something we are going to have to make some great improvements to our department" says Arbuckle.

He says that's why he prepared his department by putting a little back for a rainy day.

"At our current budget, we could run about 4 to 5 years with no money coming in, that's the money we put back" says Arkbuckle.

The sheriff says the last project for the department will be a new maintenance facility that is in the works to be built.