Big catch Big targets Full moon Friday means big catch as holds workshop on harbor mangrove snappers’ annual spawn dredging, cruise ships. 6A reaches full frenzy. 1B

WWW.KEYSNET.COM WEDNESDAY,JULY 13,2011 VOLUME 58, NO. 56 ● 25 CENTS OUR SCHOOLS PLAY BALL $3.6 million shortfall in school budget leaves a $3.6 million shortfall. Revenue trends Big ticket reductions signal need for already made include: ● $2.78 million by cutting more cutting more than 40 teaching posi- tions and by reducing the By SEAN KINNEY school day from seven to six [email protected] periods. ● $1.5 million through a Even after cutting mil- state-mandated employee lions in its 2011-2012 operat- contribution to the ing budget, the Monroe Retirement System; previ- County School District still ously the district was respon- faces a $3.6 million shortfall. sible for that payment. Superintendent Jesus Jara, ● $880,000 through reor- who took over for predeces- ganization of the district sor Joseph Burke a little office, including eliminating more than a week ago, is the executive director of facil- preparing for a July 21 budg- ities and executive director of et workshop set to begin at 10 student services position. a.m. at the Key West admin- ● More than $1 million by istrative building. eliminating media specialist, He told the Keynoter, guidance counselor and Keynoter Photo by KEVIN WADLOW despite all the cuts that have assistant principal positions. already been made, “There’s In the last fiscal year, which Upper Keys pitcher Nick Perez fires a strike toward home plate in a 25-3 win over Marathon. See Little League standings still a shortfall of $3.6 mil- ended June 30, the schools sys- in summer tourney starting on Page 1B. lion. We’re just bringing in tem spent $89.8 million. less revenue than expected.” Jara identified another pos- According to financial sible $1.4 million savings in projections prepared by outsourcing to private compa- Chief Financial Officer nies custodial, grounds keep- Michael Kinneer, the district ing and maintenance services will take in $74.5 million in currently performed by dis- fiscal year 2012, which trict employees. began on July 1; compare At a June 28 meeting of the State closes Niles that to estimated expendi- Monroe County School tures totaling $82 million. Board, Jeff Barrow, Lower Once $3.8 million in trans- Keys assistant director of fers from the district capital facilities and construction, fund were brought into the told board members that nine operating budget, Kinneer vendors responded to a Channel pier said, revenues come up to request for proposals for cus- $78.4 million. When that rev- todial and maintenance work, enue is subtracted from $82 Safety cited million in expenses, that ● See Budget, 3A after bridge section collapse BIG PINE By KEVIN WADLOW Senior Staff Writer 100 mph brings [email protected] A portion of the original Niles Channel Bridge col- felony charge lapsed last week, forcing the state to close the century-old contacted her husband, who Lower Keys span to anglers Woman arrested said “he had the child and it and sightseers. after fleeing was safe.” The old Niles Channel Keynoter Photo by KAREN QUIST Holloway’s husband also Bridge is the latest of the old The Niles Channel historic bridge has been closed by the state, citing deteriorated cops in chase disclosed that his wife is on spans to conditions of the span used as a fishing pier. The old bridge is located at mile medication for bipolar disor- close after gaining fame as marker 26 between Ramrod and Summerland keys. By RYAN McCARTHY der. A deputy met with her recreational piers for hiking, [email protected] father after the arrest and “he bicycling and fishing. cantilever - the overhanging Reef Light Tackle owner Terry It’s a good bridge to fish.” was not in dange