"Shame on you, Governor!" said Duval Teacher's United President Terrie Brady. She said she didn't believe Governor Charlie Crist when he promised that state tax cuts would not affect the schools. And now, it appears she has her proof.

Brady was present at Monday's news conference when Duval Superintendent Ed Pratt Dannals shared the estimated financial set back the district would experience for the 2008-2009 school year.

"Although the Legislature allowed us flexibility in using capital money for operating, the combined factors [the sales tax revenue shortfall, Amendment 1 and fixed cost increases] will cause a nearly $70-million dollar shortfall to next year's budget that could potentially cause a reduction in salary and benefits for teachers and administrative staff, reduction in programs and the cutback of employees."

This means over 100 jobs, including guidance counselors, librarians and academic counselors, will face the chopping block.

Dannals says the goal for the over 160 schools in Duval County is to provide a high quality education for the 125,000 students within the district. But at this point, he's concerned about meeting even a basic education standard.

To make up for the shortfall, there are more proposed reductions on the table:

• Modified health benefits and costs
• Little or no salary increases for school based employees 
• No promotional or salary increase for District administrators
• Shortened work schedule (days and hours)
• Reduction of personnel, except academic teachers
• Reduced funding for programs

The district has an estimated $998 million dollars to operate with for the 2008-2009 school year, and Dannals says the funding cuts may not stop there.

For more, visit the websites for the Duval County School Board and Duval Teachers United.