[Editor’s Note: To avoid confusion in interpreting the graph at the end of the story containing 58 recommended budget cuts, they are listed in order of preference. For further understanding, see the far right column. Each recommended cut is individually weighted, with the 1.000 designation indicating the most vulnerable parties.]
The suddenly much cooler, overcast weather this morning is an apt metaphor for the predominant mood throughout the School District on the eve of the first feared wave of budget cuts.
In fact, it no longer is the “eve.”
Execution day has dawned.
The School Board voted at last night’s meeting to dispatch its first notices to10 classroom teachers to inform them jobs may not exist, as of the new term in September.
First Cuts Weeks Away
Facing the prospect of trimming $3.7 million from a budget in the mid-40s, $1 million must be implemented before the conclusion of the present school year.
Those believed to be in the greatest jeopardy are first- and second-year teachers along with temporary teachers.
Traditionally, mid-February to mid-March is the most nerve-wracking time of the year for educators. School districts are obligated to notify teachers by March 15 if they don’t intend to rehire them for September.
The citizens’ Community Budget Advisory Committee presented 58 recommendations to the School Board.
Just how close the list is to being in stone is about to be determined.
Three Sets of Changes
The citizens’ committee itself has revised the most vulnerable areas three different times.
Although the list of 58 has been characterized as “very preliminary,” Board President Dana Russell indicated voting on cuts may start as soon as the next meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Purely as a discussion issue among school community parents, one of the most magnetic items on the list of 58 was the fifth highest rated recommendation:
Eliminate health care benefits for members of the School Board.
Even though some members do not take the benefits, the subject is likely to become as warm as a potato that has been reposing for hours in an oven.
A huge and lingering dispute blew up several years ago when some School Board members took more benefits that the amount to which they allegedly were entitled.
The community remembers, said watchdog Alan Elmont.
He told the School Board that the last time cuts were proposed, elimination of health insurance for Board members was at the top of the list.
Inexplicably, though, he said, the sizzling topic wound up at the safe end, and benefits remained intact.
He said he hopes that does not happen this time.
[img]72|left|Budget Reduction List||no_popup[/img]