March 16, 2010 - Elementary and Junior High staffing changes were discussed at the Budget Committee meeting on March 15. There is a proposed reduction of 8.5 FTE at the Elementary level and 2.2 FTE at the Junior High. Although the reductions are unpopular, instruction accounts for nearly 70 percent of the budget. In order to fall in line with the Governor’s proposed budget plan and not increase the tax rate by a significant percentage, the district must make reductions, albeit painful, in the areas where spending occurs the most. Click here to view the proposed staffing changes.

“Our objective is to close this gap and operate under a balanced budget,” Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg said. “These are painful cuts that will affect students and the community. As a district though, we must continue to look long-term. We are not optimistic that the State will be providing aid to schools in the coming years. Therefore, we need to establish a budget that is sustainable for the long-run.”

No decisions were made at Monday’s meeting; the cuts will be evaluated by the Board at future Budget Committee meetings.

Shaker High School staffing changes, originally scheduled on the agenda for March 18, will now be moved to March 25, in order to accommodate the 8th grade parent night at SHS scheduled for the same evening. In addition, all future Budget Committee meetings will now begin at an earlier start time of 7:00 p.m. There have also been other changes and additions to the meeting schedule. Click here for an updated schedule.

The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for March 18 at Blue Creek Elementary at 7:00 p.m. The Board will be discussing Maintenance, Interfund Transfers, Equipment, Revenue and Use of Fund Balance.

Budget Meeting Recaps

March 11, 2010

March 8, 2010