A shortage of state money is forcing some school district leaders in Duval County to make some tough decisions about looming budget cuts.

Officials said they expect to have to trim as much as $18 million from their budget for the remaining school year.

School district spokeswoman Jill Johnson told Channel 4 the district might have to cut $6 million to $7 million when state lawmakers meet next month.

"I think everybody's going to be equally unhappy when we get through," said Florida Sen. Stephen Wise, R-District 5.

Wise said the state is facing a shortfall, and to prepare the district has been forced to make some drastic financial changes, which include: a hiring freeze, no overtime, no raises, no new equipment or computers, no new contracts and no extra travel beyond what has already been scheduled.

"Those things are things we're all bracing for. Like I said, we're obviously going to continue to ensure that our students get the proper education that they do get," Johnson said.

Channel 4 also learned that next year's school budget could too be in trouble. At the last school board meeting, Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals announced more difficult decisions could lie ahead.

"We may have to look at middle school schedules, consider changing them from eight-period schedules to six-period schedules," Pratt-Dannals said on Feb. 5. "We've been supporting the exceptional educational budget, which works with special education students. That's going to be very difficult to support, as we have very limited funds as we go into the future."

"I would hope that the F schools and the D schools still get extra help, because those are the ones that really need it," said concerned parent Linda Immler.

Channel 4 was told that the current budget cuts are not related to the passage of Amendment 1, but Wise and school board officials both voiced concern that once the amendment comes into full effect, things could get worse.

The school district expects to learn more about what it's facing when the Legislature meets in March.