This year has started a little differently and the School Board budget workshops are being televised-something I advocated for and am thrilled that the SB decided to do. If you remember, last year many people in the school community were surprised by the proposed cuts-all of which were included in the final budget that passed and was eventually approved by the voters.
I think it's important to note that our district has cut a total of 15.5 positions in the last 3 budget cycles. But again, this year seems to be different. At the beginning of his initial presentation to the School Board on October 24th, Dr. Hayes made the statement that we have tightened our belts as much as possible--there is no more room to cut.
But, if everything presented were to pass as it is right now, it would represent a 6% increase in the operating budget. The community needs to know why.
So what is in the budget?
- An additional first grade teacher at NES due to increased enrollment.
- 2 mobile laptop carts for NES.
- 18 document cameras for the classrooms at NES-the PTA and other donations purchased some that are currently starting to be used, but each classroom should have one.
- The replacement of 56 desktop computers for the classrooms and media center at NES--many of the computers at NES are 8-10 years old.
- 4.5 new paraprofessionals as a result of 12 unanticipated students with IEP's moving into our district.
- 5 Smartboards for the High School.
- Approximately $25,000 to replace and update textbooks for the High School-these funds will be used to replace Math textbooks that are damaged or worn out for multiple classes/levels, purchase Adobe photoshop textbooks and to purchase supplemental titles for the Jr. and Sr. High School.
This is just a little taste of the proposed budget. You can look through the full document here. I also encourage you to watch the last budget presentation and to tune in to Channel 13 on Thursday to see the Elementary School and SAU budgets discussed in detail. If you have questions or want to support an item, email the School Board members or plan to attend one of the November meetings on the 7th or the 21st.
The final budget goes to the Budget Committee by November 25th.
