April 21,
2008
Dear
Colleagues:
With no regular P-12 meeting this
week (due to WASL testing), this e-mail is an update regarding our processing of
different ideas for next year’s operational budget. This morning we had
the few remaining items being researched come back for Superintendent’s Staff
discussion; with that we were able to refine the “list” of areas we are
proposing to reduce for the 2008-09 budget. The final wording of the list
is being made more understandable for the general public as it will be made
“public” at tomorrow night’s regular Board meeting.
Of the ideas that have been
processed thus far, there have been a number of views and concerns shared about
the prospect of reductions to the six smallest elementary library media specialist (LMS) positions.
The study in this area produced insights about how the LMS as a resource is
utilized in smaller schools and how LMS work done in larger schools is also
different due to the number of classrooms served. Part of the difference
seems to be a function of each school’s unique needs and the expertise of their
respective LMS, as well as differences in support for other work that is
provided in each school. The model reviewed which would have reduced LMS
time at six sites would have also necessitated adding classified time back in
order to keep the libraries open. That commitment we share would effectively
minimize the fiscal assistance that would have been achieved. We
appreciate all of the input and best thinking that was
provided.
In light of this and by making other
reductions as well as working more on the state revenue side of this process, we
have been able to develop a balanced list of potential reductions for 2008-09,
which partially impacts the LMS position at only one school. This will be
part of our presentation to the Board within the context of the whole list at
tomorrow’s meeting. You are welcome to share this with those who may have
wondered or been concerned about the LMS study and that particular area being
reviewed. While this may be welcome news for some, it is still problematic
that we have to propose the other reductions that are on the list.
As for the future and not knowing
exactly the actual legislative or state funding scenarios/realities for
districts, there will be other areas for further study which we will need to
explore next year. Also, we anticipate needing to look more closely at the
concept of small school(s) consolidation in order to address resource needs and
keep our funding priorities as much as possible supporting the important work we
do in classrooms and schools for student learning.
There will be an “All Edmonds”
e-mail that comes out from our Business Office on Wednesday morning of this week
with information about inadequate state funding, the impact to districts and a
link to the list of reductions we are proposing on our web page. The
public meetings for input regarding the budget situation are being organized and
likely will be held in the evenings of May 27th and 29th.
Once we confirm locations, times, etc. we will communicate that
meeting information.
You might be in a position of having
someone ask questions about the changes that are lining up for next year.
Whether it is start and end times, busing services, program changes, or other
aspects that the district has to reduce or modify to function next year, it is
helpful if you use those opportunities to educate listeners about the larger
picture fiscal challenges within which we and all districts have to
operate. Please encourage any with detailed questions to attend any of the
open public budget meetings coming later in May.
Sincerely,
Nick