If the worst case scenario occurs, Orcas School District’s budget could be “in a dire situation,” as superintendent Barbara Kline said at last week’s board meeting.
The final numbers from the state aren’t in, but the district could have up to 93 percent of its state I-728 money cut. Last year that funding came to $212,000, meaning it could be brought down to as little as $14,000 for the 08-09 school year.
In addition, local tax and non-tax revenue (private donations) are down and employee costs are going up because of required raises. All in all, the school could be looking at a $500,000 shortfall for the coming school year.
Orcas School must prove to the state that it will not run in the red, and that means submitting a Minimum Education Plan. At this stage, the only option is to cut eight teachers.
“This is the first step of a long budget process,” board chair Janet Brownell said. “It looks bad now, but throughout the summer we will work on the budget and see what we can cut in order to save more teachers. So what looks horrible now may change by July.”
Business manager Ben Thomas said there is also a possibility that the state would only cut 67 percent of the I-728 funding (which would leave $68,000 instead of $14,000), but the amount won’t be determined until next week’s senate session. Either way, it’s a huge chunk gone from the budget.
There are six allowable uses for the I-728 funds: reduce class sizes in grades K-12; provide extended learning for students in K-12; additional professional development for educators; early assistance for children who need pre-kindergarten support; In the past, Orcas School District has used it to reduce class sizes in k-12.
During the board meeting, the public commented on the proposed cuts. Most in the audience stressed the importance of keeping the elementary class sizes small and retaining full day kindergarten.
“The full day kindergarten program is the most important thing we do in the elementary,” said k-8 principal Tom Gobeske. “It has the greatest impact on early learners.”
Superintendent Kline told the Sounder that full day kindergarten would not be cut, regardless of I-728 reductions.
The school board will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss the final I-728 money provided by the state.
