Officials in Staunton are making some early moves to make sure they are headed in the right direction when it comes to next year's school and general budget.

Staunton School Board member Sarah Crenshaw says she is well aware of the economic outlook for schools in the state.

Crenshaw says, "It's impacting education, our school system, the education system all the way around."

As it stands now, the Staunton school district could face up to $400,000 in cuts to the 2010 budget.

Crenshaw adds, "Just when we were thinking we could relax, here comes another. It's almost like the recession of 2007 is extending into 2010."

However, the school board won't face the financial struggle alone. The city council will meet with the board Thursday and members on both will get insight from hired financial experts.

Staunton Councilman Bruce Elder says, "I am hoping we see an honest discussion about revenues and about priorities in our budgeting process."

Elder says they are trying to attack the problem early, in preparation for the coming fiscal year.

He adds, "I think that Staunton City Council does not want to be known for crisis management. We are looking to be ahead of the ball on this."

The meeting between the council and the school board won't be open to the public.

Having a closed meeting is raising some eyebrows in the city, but Crenshaw says it is just another precaution the school board is taking.

Crenshaw says, "It's like a roller coaster right now. We don't want to project anything or put anything out there that isn't true."

The city council members were the ones who reached out to the financial advisers.

The council, the board and the advisers are scheduled to meet Thursday at 7 p.m. in City Hall.