Back to school time is almost here

It's back to school time for many area students. News on 6 anchor Terry Hood has an education update on who goes back when. <br><br>Glenpool students head back to school on Wednesday. But the bulk

Monday, August 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's back to school time for many area students. News on 6 anchor Terry Hood has an education update on who goes back when.

Glenpool students head back to school on Wednesday. But the bulk of Tulsa area schools, including broken Arrow, Jenks, and Union, will go back this Thursday. Jenks East Elementary teachers are already back in the classroom. As they gear up for the new year, many teachers are hoping budget problems are a thing of the past.

Administrators say there shouldn't be any surprise cuts like the last two years. But teachers are still feeling the budget pinch. Last year, Oklahoma schools cut back staff, capped spending, and substitutes became a luxury. Jenks administrators will still do some filling in this year, but the district does plan to have some paid substitutes.

Elementary classes in Jenks may also be a little bigger this year. First grade teacher Judy Fitzgerald is preparing for 23 students, but she could have more. â€œWeâ€™d prefer smaller class sizes but this is still manageable. When I first started teaching we had 35 kids in a class so this is a breeze."

Owasso goes back to school next week. Tulsa Public School students still have two more weeks of summer. They won't go back until after Labor Day to save money on utility bills.