Schools to drop budget $1.17 million

It’s not a disaster yet, so while there is still time, South Whidbey School District administrators are cutting back as they plan the 2005-06 budget. About 15 teachers will be laid off, coaching stipends will be cut, and almost everything the district spends money on will be scrutinized.

An administrative budget team is planning for the worst case scenario as enrollment numbers decline steadily. With fewer students in the classrooms, administrators predict lost revenue from the state to total $925,000 next school year. In addition, the district is looking at a jump of $225,000 in operating expenses due to the increased cost of fuel, insurance costs and other expenditures.

This year’s budget was based on 2,030 students which administrators thought would be conservative enough. It wasn’t. As of this month the number has dropped to 2,009 students. Administrators predict enrollment will bottom out at 1,500 in the 2010-11 school year.

During a special meeting Thursday night, administrators told the public that in 2005-06, the schools will receive and spend $1.175 million less than they have budgeted for the current year. The projected 2005-06 budget is $15.43 million compared with $16.35 for 2004-05.

“It’s going to be rough sledding for two more years,” said Superintendent Bob Brown.

A portion of the financial hit comes from the district’s effort to build up a $900,000 permanent balance in the school’s fund balance.

Staff is taking the first hit. Last week, fifty teachers received notice that they could be laid off. School officials expect to lay off 15.

One of the teachers on the initial layoff list, seventh-grade teacher Susie Richards, showed obvious concern and emotion at Thursday’s meeting, but said she appreciates the care and concern the administrators are showing staff in the face of impending layoffs.

Staff will also be cut from transportation, maintenance and support services. A total of 8 jobs will be cut in this area, including secretaries, health staff, para educators, and transportation and maintenance personnel.

Notification has not gone out to these employees yet. Paula Jennings, president of the Public Services Union, urged administrators to notify other employees who may be laid off this spring.

“Try to honor all staff people,” Jennings said. “I am here to put your feet to the fire. They deserve timely notification, too.”

Brown also told principals to cut a third out of the schools’ $300,000-plus stipend budget. So far, they’ve cut $70,000 from stipends going to district employees who advise club activities, coach, and participate in site council activities.

Administration will be cut to bare bones, as well. At Langley Middle School, the assistant principal’s position will be reduced to half time. Tim Gordon, the current assistant principal at the middle school is leaving the district to accept a principal’s position in the Northshore School District.

At the high school, the assistant principal will take over athletic director duties. The assistant principal position is still open at the high school; Brown said it will be filled internally.

In the district office, the position of assistant superintendent will not be filled. The district hasn’t had an assistant superintendent since Dan Blanton resigned in 2003.

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