On Thursday, March 25, district administrators presented proposed budget reductions to the school board. The reductions are required because of declining enrollment, increases in operating expenses, and a reduction in state and federal funding. The proposed budget reduction plan was developed by administration with the input of board members and site teams, which include non-certified staff, teachers and parents. The administration presented a proposed budget reduction plan that requires cuts in recurring expenditures of approximately $280,000. The district will hold a public forum at the high school at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, in the cafetorium to discuss the reductions for the elementary and the high school. There will be reductions in certified and non-certified staff as well as some cuts in programming and activities. I will provide a summary of the proposed reductions in the following paragraphs. Please keep in mind that all of the proposals attempted to keep small class sizes at each campus and ensure adequate course choices for high school students. At the elementary building, there are proposed reductions in programs that will be integrated into the curriculum, some programs will be reduced and some programs will be reinstated. The elementary will continue to offer the multi-age program and all-day every-day kindergarten. The multi-age program will realize reductions in the number of sections for next year, and kindergarten will have a reduction in the number of assistants. This year the physical education program meets every day and for school year ’04-’05 it will be reduced to the previous year’s level. The music program will be reinstated to rotate with the physical education classes as it was in school year ’02-’03. The gifted and talented program will be integrated into the classroom and will not have a separate pull-out component. The services overseen by the Licensed Practical Nurse will be included in the secretarial duties at the elementary and high school and directed by our Registered Nurse. The high school will also realize a reduction in certified staff and non-certified staff in addition to reductions in course offerings and extracurricular activities. The reductions that have been proposed will have the least harmful affect on class size as well as course offerings. The proposed cuts will affect course electives in junior high health, foreign language, general music, social studies, drama, English and science. In addition, the proposed extra-curricular reductions will affect speech, C-squad athletics and the one-act play. This continues to be a very difficult process and I want to recognize the devastating affects it will have on the individuals and their families that will be impacted by the reductions. I also want to acknowledge the input and feedback that we have received throughout this process from staff, parents, community and board members. It has been especially helpful. This has been a very difficult time for the district but I feel that, with the support of the community, we can make it through this period and look forward to a positive future.
