Budget cuts discussed for schools

Well over 100 concerned parents, teachers and community members gathered Tuesday night, April 6, to hear the school board present proposed budget cuts for the Kimball schools, and to voice their comments and suggestions. The current budget has been in discussion almost since last year’s cuts were set, and it was anticipated then that more cuts would be needed this year. Indeed, $260,000 is targeted from both the elementary and high school for spending reduction, all of which will affect students and programs. The list of proposed cuts was first presented at a board meeting two weeks ago and was presented to the community Tuesday night. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, April 13, (the date has been changed) to discuss public comments. They will make final decisions at their April 15 meeting so that the appropriate employee notifications can be made on schedule. Superintendent Thielman first explained the several reasons for a $260,000 deficit for the next school year in a total yearly budget of about $6 million: flat funding (not increased) from the state when 85 percent of our funding comes from the state; increasing costs of goods and services, supplies, payroll, service contracts, facilities and maintenance; significantly reduced funding for Title I and other state and federal funding programs; and declining enrollment. He explained how a projected difference of only nine students next year will, because of funding formulas for various grade levels, mean a reduction of more than $111,000 in funding alone. Thielman then presented the proposed reductions for the 2004-05 school year. These include: elimination of two teaching positions at the elementary school; elimination of LPN nursing services at both schools; elimination of the gifted and talented program at the elementary school; elimination at the high school of the German program, drama program, leadership development, general music course, study skills courses, speech program and one-act play; and reduction of science, reading, social studies, math and guidance (some of these had already been scheduled for programmatic reductions). Elementary band had been on the original list, but the board has already decided to keep that important program for next year. None of the areas identified for cuts are set in stone. The board will further discuss them, along with comments made at Tuesday’s public forum, at their next meeting rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. They will make final decisions on budget cuts at their April 15 regular meeting. It should be noted that once a program is cut for next year, it can be added back if funding is located (e.g., if a speech alumni organization raises the $6,000 to keep speech at the high school). After the formal presentation, many people came up to address the board. Some sought clarification of the cuts, some expressed concerns about particular programs, and some had creative ideas for solving at least some of the budget crunch. Several people spoke out on the strengths and benefits of particular programs. Many expressed concern about eliminating the LPN nursing position at both schools. A few suggested returning to a parent-paid all-day kindergarten program. Several expressed the concern that critical staff and programs are being reduced while district staffing is not. Some addressed open enrollment and asked how we might keep more students in the district and attract them from other districts. Class size was a concern at the elementary school, especially for the upcoming fourth-grade class. Kimball is not alone in facing reduced funding next year, but we are (so far) the only local district without an operating levy to help pay for school programs. A tax will have to be approved by voters in November, and then would only apply to the 2005-06 school year. As one parent pointed out, governing bodies have the right to levy taxes for essential services, and this is essential. In the meantime, we may expect a number of booster clubs and fundraisers in the coming months. A complete list of final budget cuts for the Kimball school district will be published in the April 22 Tri-County News.