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Coal Ridge High School math teacher Charlie Yates addresses the Re-2 School Board at a meeting Tuesday in Rifle. More than 100 folks filled the meeting room at the Learning Opportunity Center to hear the discussion regarding possible cuts to district programs, even possible school closures, in order to cover expected budget cuts next school year.
It was standing room only in the Garfield Re-2 school district building Tuesday night. Droves of teachers, students, parents and community members turned out to hear the board's initial response to the district's proposed budget, currently facing a deficit of $1.5 to $2 million for next school year.
It was the first of several Re-2 school board meetings slated to discuss proposed budget cuts for the 2012-2013 school year which includes the potential closure of two elementary schools - Kathryn Senor in New Castle and Wamsley Elementary in Rifle.
While the board did not make any formal decisions regarding the elimination of staff, programs or schools – the board did elect to deficit spend $1 million for four years out of the district's $12. 3 million fund balance.
Re-2 School Board President Chris Pearson said the time has come for the district to use their rainy day savings.
“We've been talking about a rainy day for several years and I think that day is here,” she said. “It's time we get creative and think outside the box.”
Turning to the district's savings will allow the district to reduce the amount of cuts between $500,000 and $1.4 million, rather than trying to manage a shoestring budget in the face of November's failed $3 million mill levy override, continually declining K-12 state funding and not wanting to turn to the state to borrow funding. However, further budget cuts may be needed depending on the amount of state funding available when the legislative session ends in May.
Christy Hamrick, district finance director, presented board members with general savings figures matching each potential cut.
Closing Kathryn Senor Elementary would save the district between $487,000 - $778,000. Closing Wamsley Elementary school would save the district between $356,000 - $573,000.
However, board members were clear they would only consider approving the closure of a school as a very last resort.
Re-2 School Board Member Scott Doherty said he would have to be thoroughly convinced before agreeing to close a school, initiating a round of applause from the crowd.
“Anything that affects instruction is off the table for me,” he said. “I've worked with our school's administrators and finance director for long enough now to know they are highly professional and thorough. Until they come to me and tell me we absolutely have to close a school, I'm not convinced.”
School Board Member Lee Krauth said he would still consider closing one of the schools simply because of the large dollar amount it would save the district.
“I can't say it's off the table for me at this time,” he said. “It's almost a $1 million ticket item, so I can't say no right now.”
The docket of additional potential cuts includes the elimination of after school elementary programs that would save the district $90,000. Removing one teacher planning period at the high school would save $380,000, reducing middle and high school sports programs would potentially save between $10,000 - $20,000 and reducing middle school music and art programs could save the district $60,000.
Board members requested further information regarding the details of these figures and programs and will meet several times to review the effect of such cuts on students in the coming months.
Unanimously, the board agreed to keep the recycling program, Rifle High School's International Baccalaureate program and considered instituting furlough days that would take place on non-instructional days.
“We've already committed to the creation of an IB program and the recycling program has created a culture at the schools that would be detrimental if we eliminated that.” Doherty said.
In addition, board members told the crowd they believe they can find creative ways to manipulate the budget, including potential cost-sharing with the City of Rifle on school utility costs.
Pearson encouraged the crowed to stay involved and to participate in budget talks in the forthcoming months.
“I want to be clear this is only the initial conversation and discussion, it is the absolute beginning of the process. We are in no way making any decisions soon and I encourage all of you to stay involved, to tell us your thoughts to participate in this process. It takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
An additional school board budget meeting will be held on Jan. 24 at Rifle Middle School. The school board must approve a final budget in June and said they want to have as transparent as a process as possible.
To follow Re-2 budget's process, or to view detailed numbers regarding the budget, visit www.garfieldre2.k12.co.us.
It was the first of several Re-2 school board meetings slated to discuss proposed budget cuts for the 2012-2013 school year which includes the potential closure of two elementary schools - Kathryn Senor in New Castle and Wamsley Elementary in Rifle.
While the board did not make any formal decisions regarding the elimination of staff, programs or schools – the board did elect to deficit spend $1 million for four years out of the district's $12. 3 million fund balance.
Re-2 School Board President Chris Pearson said the time has come for the district to use their rainy day savings.
“We've been talking about a rainy day for several years and I think that day is here,” she said. “It's time we get creative and think outside the box.”
Turning to the district's savings will allow the district to reduce the amount of cuts between $500,000 and $1.4 million, rather than trying to manage a shoestring budget in the face of November's failed $3 million mill levy override, continually declining K-12 state funding and not wanting to turn to the state to borrow funding. However, further budget cuts may be needed depending on the amount of state funding available when the legislative session ends in May.
Christy Hamrick, district finance director, presented board members with general savings figures matching each potential cut.
Closing Kathryn Senor Elementary would save the district between $487,000 - $778,000. Closing Wamsley Elementary school would save the district between $356,000 - $573,000.
However, board members were clear they would only consider approving the closure of a school as a very last resort.
Re-2 School Board Member Scott Doherty said he would have to be thoroughly convinced before agreeing to close a school, initiating a round of applause from the crowd.
“Anything that affects instruction is off the table for me,” he said. “I've worked with our school's administrators and finance director for long enough now to know they are highly professional and thorough. Until they come to me and tell me we absolutely have to close a school, I'm not convinced.”
School Board Member Lee Krauth said he would still consider closing one of the schools simply because of the large dollar amount it would save the district.
“I can't say it's off the table for me at this time,” he said. “It's almost a $1 million ticket item, so I can't say no right now.”
The docket of additional potential cuts includes the elimination of after school elementary programs that would save the district $90,000. Removing one teacher planning period at the high school would save $380,000, reducing middle and high school sports programs would potentially save between $10,000 - $20,000 and reducing middle school music and art programs could save the district $60,000.
Board members requested further information regarding the details of these figures and programs and will meet several times to review the effect of such cuts on students in the coming months.
Unanimously, the board agreed to keep the recycling program, Rifle High School's International Baccalaureate program and considered instituting furlough days that would take place on non-instructional days.
“We've already committed to the creation of an IB program and the recycling program has created a culture at the schools that would be detrimental if we eliminated that.” Doherty said.
In addition, board members told the crowd they believe they can find creative ways to manipulate the budget, including potential cost-sharing with the City of Rifle on school utility costs.
Pearson encouraged the crowed to stay involved and to participate in budget talks in the forthcoming months.
“I want to be clear this is only the initial conversation and discussion, it is the absolute beginning of the process. We are in no way making any decisions soon and I encourage all of you to stay involved, to tell us your thoughts to participate in this process. It takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
An additional school board budget meeting will be held on Jan. 24 at Rifle Middle School. The school board must approve a final budget in June and said they want to have as transparent as a process as possible.
To follow Re-2 budget's process, or to view detailed numbers regarding the budget, visit www.garfieldre2.k12.co.us.
