The public forum was called to order by chair Kersten at 7:02 p.m. with the superintendent, elementary and high school principals and all board members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance. There were approximately 100 community members and staff members in attendance. The only item on the agenda was the discussion item to review recommendations for reductions in programs and services for the 2004-2005 school year. Dr. Thielman reviewed enrollment history and projections spanning a 10-year period. This clearly shows a steady decline in enrollment over the past five years which in turn indicates a continuing decline over the next several years. The State funding formula was explained indicating that the formula, based on $4,601 per student, has remained the same for the past two years and is not expected to increase in the next two years. While the funding has remained the same, operating expenses are on the rise and both State and Federal funding have been reduced in several areas. Combining this with declining enrollment dramatically impacts the budget. The budget assumptions were reviewed. The District’s Mission Statement, Objectives and Goals along with policy on class sizes and the fund balance history were agreed to by the board at a meeting on January 27, 2004. Superintendent Thielman then presented the proposed reductions for 2004-2005. 2.0 FTE classroom instructional staff, 1.0 FTE Kindergarten assistant, LPN nursing services, physical education (.2 instructional and assistant), gifted and talented program, .2 biology or chemistry, .4 German I and II, .1 introduction to drama, .1 leadership development, .1 reading 7-8, .1 social studies, .1 weight training, .1 general music, .1 PE 9, .2 health 8, .2 study skills, .4 math, one act play, all sports teams to no more than 4 squads, speech, .2 guidance, 2 paraprofessionals, and instructional supply accounts. A total reduction of approximately $260,100 is being recommended. The principals had met with their site teams at each building and had come together with the superintendent and business manager and presented these recommendations. A comparison was made to the reductions for 2003-2004 totaling approximately $300,000. The floor was then opened to the public wishing to address their concerns. Thirty-five individuals addressed concerns regarding the reductions of the speech program, the elimination of the LPN nursing services, the necessity of a business manager, the need for the number of administrators in the district, elimination of C-squad sports, class size for the fourth grade and the reduction of multi-age classrooms. Clarification was requested on the reinstatement of speech as an extra curricular or classroom program and the PE/Music programs at the elementary. The request was made to provide the comparison of administrative costs vs. teaching costs. Ideas of fund raising, adding a parking fee for students, increasing the Foster Grandparent Program and going to the voters with a request for an operating levy. Motion by Stenger, seconded by VanVleet to adjourn at 10:02 p.m. MC. Marguerite Laabs, Clerk Published in the Tri-County News April 22, 2004.
