Superintendent Wayne May spent most of the Dallas County School Board meeting Monday evening squashing rumors of school closings and discussing the current situation of the state’s education budget.

May told both parents and board members that the State Board of Education voted last week not to accept the proposed budget for the 2004-05 school year.

While there are no solid answers yet to the public school system’s financial crisis, May denied that there are plans to shut down any schools.

During the meeting, a parent questioned board members about how pending law suits against the school system would effect his child’s education.

May explained the school system is insured for such occurrences, but the suits could cause a crushing blow.

Story added that each year the school system is given a specific amount of money and the board has little or no control over where it should be spent.

In other matters the school board:

Praised the football teams of Dallas County High School and Southside High School for their performance this season. &uot;This was the first time in 13 years that Southside has made it to the playoffs,&uot; May said.

Re-elected Roy Edwards board chairman and Cecil Williamson as vice chairman.

Gave a first reading for the Fair Labor Standards Policy and Overtime Pay.

Voted to enter executive session to discuss good name and character.

Recognized former employee W.J. Ballard for his years of service to the school system.

Voted for the next meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 26, 2004, at Bruce K. Craig Elementary School.