DAPHNE, Ala.—To offset state budget cuts that preclude funding for teachers’ school supplies, the city of Daphne has initiated a ‘Paper for Pupils’ donation program that will collect paper reams and distribute them to teachers. The drive ends Aug. 11.

While planning the program, Mayor Fred Small contacted area principals to survey what items their staffs needed most: paper products were an overwhelming favorite.

“Hands down, this was the one item they need the most,” Small said. “Wal-Mart has donated general school supplies for classroom use but apparently (teachers) go through reams of paper for making copies.”

Those who wish to contribute can donate multi-purpose copy paper reams at the Daphne Public Library, Daphne Police Department, Daphne Recreation Department, Daphne Civic Center and City Hall.

During the 2009 Sales Tax Holiday, from Aug. 7-9, residents can purchase extra multi-purpose copy paper reams, to donate to teachers, for discounted prices.

As per Gov. Bob Riley’s recent budget restrictions, the state will spend $5.7 billion on education this fiscal year, down close to $1 billion from last year.

Riley cited a decrease in sales tax revenues as a primary factor in his decision.

“No one is pleased that the economic situation requires further reductions in education, but they must be made in order for Alabama to meet its obligation to taxpayers to have a balanced budget,” Riley said in a statement

The governor added that tax collections for education have dropped 10 percent since December.

Another factor is the state’s 9.8-percent unemployment rate, the highest its been in nearly 25 years, according to Riley.

The budget reduction in funding for school supplies is also an effort to save capital for retaining teachers.

The impact of decreased revenues on education budgets can be felt on a local level as well.

The Baldwin County Board of Education is dealing with a $23 million shortfall and has implemented a wave of budget cuts, including dissolving fine-arts departments by not rehiring its teachers.

A school-board spokesperson could not be reached for comment on this issue before press deadline.

For more details on the donation campaign, call 621-9000.