Since the failure of the Kimball school district’s operating levy referendum in last November’s election, it has become public knowledge that the school board will have to cut approximately $350,000 from its budget for next year. Last month Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed increasing funding for schools in the state by 2 percent. The governor’s proposal would mean approximately $85,000 in additional revenue to the Kimball school district. Pawlenty’s proposal has yet to be approved by the state Senate and House, and, even if it does, it still leaves Kimball with $225,000 deficit. The school board hasn’t yet specified any areas that will fall under the budget axe although a number of possibilities have been identified. The board has set a deadline in March to present their recommendations of areas to be reduced. Here are some cuts that have been considered by the board: o Reducing two full-time employees at Kimball Elementary School (KES). This would also reduce physical education (P.E.) and music. o Reducing the Media Specialist at the school libraries. o Reducing number of sections offered at Kimball Area High School (KAHS); classroom sizes would increase to as high as 34 students for P.E. and 37 for health. o Shifting all junior-high activities to Community Education for scheduling and fees. o Eliminating all after-school activities, including sports and band. o Reducting the State and Federal Program Coordinator who is in charge of making sure the district’s curriculum is in line with changing state and federal standards. o Eliminate the position of district business manager. o Reduce the superintendent’s position to a half-time position and add support staff time to handle some of the superintendent’s duties. o Eliminate either the elementary school or high school principal. o Charge a parking fee for staff and students who park at KAHS. o Increase event ticket prices from $4 to $5 for adults and from $2 to $3 for students. o Charge fees for college classes which would bring in a projected $2,000 in revenue. o Increase the student activity fee to $50 which could add approximately $2,500 in revenue. Two things that are likely to remain in Kimball’s offerings are all-day every-day kindergarten, and college-level courses at the high school. The board’s Budget Committee still meets weekly. Their current task is to re-consider the district’s priorities and identify cuts up to $350,000 for the next school year. Pawlenty’s funding plan, if it becomes reality, could mean fewer cuts in Kimball next year. Given the district’s history with state funding, however, the board is preparing to cut the full amount of deficit it faces for 2005-06. The next meeting of the Kimball school board is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3. Board meetings are open to the public; they normally take place in the District board room (at the high school).
