School budgets are tight as thousands of students return to class in Alabama this week.

Some systems have had to cut staff, and teachers are coping with reductions in the amount of money they can spend for classroom supplies.

In Sylacauga, school testing coordinator Patrick Littleton said good stewardship is a priority during trying times like these.

Tax revenues are down, and that has forced state officials to cut school budgets by 11 percent for the current fiscal year.

More reductions are likely when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.