School Board Approves $5.1 Million in Cuts

It was not a pleasant night for the South Washington County School Board Thursday as members approved more than $5 million in budget cuts for 2011-12.

“No one likes making cuts,” said board member Ron Kath, “and we’re all well aware that we are dealing with people’s lives here.”

The bulk of the reductions approved Thursday came through the elimination of a $2.5 million contribution to the district’s internal service fund and $500,000 from and early-retirement incentive. Cuts are also being made to equipment for the driver’s education program (a one-time savings of $338,543) and by reducing the number of greeters, hall monitors, lunchroom monitors and in-school suspension supervisors.

The board was able to make the cuts without increasing staffing ratios, which board members were hesitant to do without more opportunities for public comment.

The board made a total of about $5.1 million in budget adjustments for the 2011-12 school year. For a look at some of the proposed cuts, click here.

The real controversy in the budget surrounded the consolidation of what are currently two full-time positions: a behavior analyst and an autism specialist.

Board member Jim Gelbmann called it a “heartless cut” and said the continuity of care that these positions provide from kindergarten until graduation is unparalleled in the classroom and vital to the successful development of certain students. There are currently 300 students in the district with autism.

Board member Marsha Adou also called on the board to find a better solution, calling the plan “penny wise and pound foolish.” She suggested taking a closer look at salary freezes, transportation and start times, and increasing the temperature in buildings during summer, among other things.

Ultimately, the staff consolidation line was removed from the final budget by a vote of 6-1.

Kath voted to keep the consolidation of the two positions. He did, however, cite many other successes that he was proud of, specifically no major cuts in classrooms.

“We have to do the best we can with the money we have available,” Kath said.

Jim Jones, the parent of a high school student, spoke to the board about his concerns regarding cutting greeters and monitors. He cited them as the “first line of defense against something or someone bad” and mentioned that he appreciated their effectiveness in stopping him when he needed to visit the school.

Director of Finance Aaron Bushberger outlined the general fund budget—from which teachers, staff, and administrators are paid—as well as how other daily operating needs are funded. The fund is nearly $147 million, 78 percent of which comes from the state (85 percent of the total fund is spent on salaries).

Bushberger briefly mentioned the possibility of a November 2011 referendum for higher property taxes as a way to generate additional revenue for schools.

Board member Jim Gelbmann vehemently opposed the idea. “No one’s quality of education should be determined by the property values in their neighborhood.” There was no formal decision made regarding any future referendum.

Gelbmann also reiterated his stance that the board cut back on out-of-state travel, professional membership fees and salary increases (currently at 2 percent).