Business tax breaking hurting area schools

A business tax break is cutting into money for schools this year. In Tulsa County, Bixby Public Schools is being hit the hardest. <br><br>Bixby will lose another $1.6-million, on top of the cuts they've

Tuesday, October 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A business tax break is cutting into money for schools this year. In Tulsa County, Bixby Public Schools is being hit the hardest.

Bixby will lose another $1.6-million, on top of the cuts they've already had. It's because of a property tax exemption for new or expanding businesses.

Bixby hasn't decided how to handle the cuts they'll have to make. Mary Jane Bias, Bixby Superintendent: "Anyplace that doesn't have a direct effect on the classroom, that's where we're trying to start right now, obviously we'll get to the point where we do have to look at things that will impact the classroom."

The money from the tax break is normally replaced by the Oklahoma Legislature, but this year, it won't be.

The difference for Tulsa Public Schools is about $750,000.