I have been impressed with the dedication of the Salida School Board to listen to new ideas, revisit old ideas, meet with staff and concerned citizens and hold several community meetings during these challenging economic times. They have made themselves available for an almost constant stream of input about our current challenges. It is rare that a volunteer board provides as much opportunity for input, including taking, often critical, calls at home and at work.
This is all worthy of noting because they work together as a team, appear to communicate well —and never lose sight of the importance of ensuring that their tough decisions are guided by the district’s mission.
I will delve further into my experience as a parent of two students, attender of many meetings, journalist and member of the District Accountability Committee in the very near future. -bd
Attached is a summary from the Salida School District Superintendent John Rouse summarizing our current challenges and assets.
Education is important in Salida. It is apparent in the countless hours volunteered by staff and community; people who come together for the good of our students and for the good of our community. Salida School District is currently celebrating many successes – students that continue to thrive at all grade levels in academics, music, art, the performing arts, and sports.
As we continue to do the best for students with the resources we have, the District faces some big decisions in the next few months: a search for a new superintendent, budgeting decisions in light of 6-8% cut in funding from the State, and what to do about facilities that are old and difficult to maintain.
For months a group of twenty plus citizens and staff members have worked as the Salida School District’s Facilities Committee to finalize a facilities plan that will lead to a more effective, more efficient, healthier and safer school buildings. This committee is made up of residents who are professional architects, construction managers, realtors, energy consultants, parents, and staff members. They have spent many hours considering the options. Their process has been thoughtful; based on fact and reality. The District has a very solid facilities plan and will apply for a state grant that pays at least 42% of the costs for new buildings. The grant is dependent on passing a bond for the remainder of the costs.
In terms of the Superintendent Search, the community went through a thorough and well-liked process three years ago. The School Board has chosen to use that same process. This process began with staff and community focus groups at the beginning of February. The focus groups allowed participants to give their thoughts on strengths and challenges of the community, as well as what characteristics were most important when looking for the next superintendent.
Many people are already aware of the financial challenges that all school districts face in Colorado. The State has estimated a 6-8% cut in funding for all schools for the 2010-11 school year. The Salida School District is estimating a $563,000 decrease in state funding for next school year. When combined with budget increases due to: utilities, state-mandated increases in employee pension plan contributions, and premium increases for medical and worker’s comp insurance, the decrease in state financial support means that our administration and Board are faced with the challenge of cutting approximately $750,000 from our current level of spending.
The School Board held community meetings in early February to explain the situation and to discuss the options they face as well as the priorities used to guide their decisions. Meetings were held at all three campuses. Questions were taken, and answers will be posted this week.
Lezlie Burkley, School Board President, emphasized the great collaboration that has taken place so far and the hopes that it will broaden and continue. “We are continually amazed and grateful for the staff members and community members who give their time, expertise, and ideas to make this a strong educational system. We are thankful to our teachers’ association for having open discussions about what we face. The staff meeting on February 3rd was well-attended and allowed us to explain the facts and options as we saw them at that time. Our committees have been very helpful as they have helped wade through information and research options and ideas. This truly has been a broad effort.”
She went on to say, “The community meetings are another opportunity to see what participants view as strengths and challenges. Together we will find solutions that best fit our community and, most importantly, support our students. This is not a time of crisis, but of opportunity.”
John Rouse 530-5203
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