Since the November levy did not pass, the school district is faced with making $850,000 worth of cuts.  Part of the operations portion of the levy was going to cover increased cost of operations within the district.  This includes, transportation and utility costs, staff salaries and curriculum purchases.  A portion of the bond was set to go towards, in part, roof replacements, heating system maintenance and replacement, and paving. 

“The levy was not just about adding space, it was about keeping our district whole.  This was outlined in our levy publication in the Financial Report.  The Citizens Committee specifically stated in bold print that we were going to be faced with $850,000 worth of cuts if this levy failed,” said Superintendent Russ Bennett.  “We did not want to run a negative campaign, but now, we have to face reality.”

The Board does plan to put the levy back on the ballot in March, for the same amount: 6.0 mills.  But the break down of the mills will change.  Because the cost to build the same facilities will increase, as inflation allows, the bond portion will go up to 1.94 mills and the operations portion will go down to 4.06 mills. 

“We felt strongly that we needed 6 mills the first time and we still believe we need this amount,” says Board President Gerald Kohanski.  “It would be a disservice to the district and the community to ask for less than we need.”

Some of the cuts will be immediate and others will take place next school year.  “Even if the March levy passes,” says Bennett, “we won’t be able to collect the money until January of 2009.  We lose an entire year of tax collections which is $2.5 million.  This is why the cuts are imminent.”

The cost cutting measures the Board voted to pass are:

1. Reduce supplemental contract positions.
2. Go to cluster stops for transportation.
3. Reduce Professional Development and curriculum purchases
4. Offer summer school for a fee.
5. Eliminate or reduce uniform purchases.
6. Charge athletic admissions to students.
7. Eliminate field trips.
   

Two items that were tabled for discussion and to be decided at a later Board Meeting were:

1. Eliminate 8 certified teaching positions through grades 1 -12.
2. Eliminate .5-1 administrative position.
3. Eliminate 1-2 non-certified positions.
4. Fees for summer school.
5. Higher fees for AP and IB or the elimination of the IB Program.

Some of the cuts that could return if the levy passes in March are: 

1. Supplementals
2. Summer school
3. Uniform purchases
4. Some staff positions
5. Participation fees reduced or eliminated
6. Regular bus stops