Like an unruly child, the budget prepared by the administration of the Moore County school -system is difficult to love.

In this case, even its mother, Superintendent Dr. Susan Purser, probably isn't all that fond of it. But it was probably the best she could produce with limited funds.

If the Moore County Board of Education endorses the budget as proposed, the school system will be asking Moore County for $26.2 million in local funds for current expenses, plus $1.13 million to meet capital outlay needs. That's more than $1 million more than the expense request from last year, which was also sharply trimmed because of the fading economy.

The new budget comes with the same state funding reductions from last year, to which is added at least $1.1 million in new state reductions. Adding to the budget for the 2010-11 year are expenses connected with the operation of two new schools, Crain's Creek Middle and West Pine Elementary, and additions to four other schools. Taxpayers approved issuance of bonds to build those schools and additions and at this late date can't complain about new expenses.

For the current fiscal year, the schools suffered almost $7 million in reduced state funding. Even with a generous intake of federal stimulus money, the schools lost 50 teaching positions along with a number of other staff jobs. Stimulus funds are still available this year but are off the table for the 2011-12 year.

The school system must keep that loss in mind in adopting any spending plan.

Remaining to haunt school officials is the possibility that state funding may be reduced even further. Unquestionably, the budget picture is bleak. But Moore County - and North Carolina - can take some comfort that the situation could be far worse, as evidenced by the recent traumas experienced in other states. At least we aren't having to shut down half our schools, as Kansas City, Mo., is now contemplating.