Salida schools Q&A

Attached is a summary of many of the recurring questions heard during a series of staff and community meetings in February. We thank everyone who took the time to attend meetings, get the facts, and ask questions. For those who offered suggestions and solutions, we have reviewed those in terms of feasibility, financial impact, and pros & cons to the district. Those that are feasible have been incorporated in our plan.

We have tried to answer these questions as best we can and hope that the responses are clear.

(We request that your comments be limited to a request for clarification of issues. If you wish to pontificate, please let us know and we will post your op-ed. Also, for a more comprehensive discussion of a particular issue, please contact a school representative or attend a school board meeting. Thanks for your understanding -ed)

Communication and Community Involvement:

For several years the board has had on-going communications with staff and community.

We do not have public discussion only during difficult times.  Good communication, good planning, and good decision making must take place when there is not urgency and high emotion.  We have done that.  And, those conversations have guided us to this point and through this point and allow us to fulfill our mission.

The conversations have been about priorities, expectations, 21st Century skills, etc.  The information gathered went into the development of our district goals.

Those goals, listed below, along with the mission statement is what guides our decisions.

Academic Focus

The district’s resources of time, money, and human capital are focused on creating and supporting a teaching/learning environment in which each student (pre-school through grade 12) is held to high expectations and challenged to demonstrate achievement gains.

Fostering Relationships

The students, staff, parents, board members and community members know that the superintendent values all people, seeks input, effectively informs and builds partnerships.

Leadership Effectiveness

The Salida School District leadership team that includes the superintendent, directors, managers, supervisors, coordinators, principals, and deans function effectively as a team when addressing issues that impact the teaching and learning environment.

Financial

The superintendent effectively manages the district’s current resources (time, money, and human capital) as well as implements a plan for securing future resources.

Planning

The superintendent uses planning processes as a means to focus the district’s current resources on the identified areas of need and to develop strategies to secure future resources to direct the district’s continuing needs. Planning will encompass all areas necessary to provide quality learning experiences that support the development of the “whole” student which includes arts, languages, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

The mission of the Salida School District, in active partnership with family and community, is to ensure that each and every student is prepared to succeed in life, by providing quality instruction and progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment which will empower students with the skills necessary to achieve their greatest potential.

Has the Board considered combining the BV and Salida Districts in whole or in part?

The Salida School Board is open to the discussion. We approached the BV school board four years ago.  The idea was not openly received with the stated reason being that the districts were too different to be merged successfully.  Since BV is now facing the same budget cuts as Salida and all Colorado districts, we hope to reopen this topic for more discussion. Options might be sharing a superintendent, sharing other positions and services, and shared purchasing. Currently, Salida R-32-J and Buena Vista School Districts share a special education director who is an employee of the Mountain BOCES. There are discussions about continuing this partnership without the person being a BOCES employee.

The reality is that both sides need to be open to the possibilities. The Salida School Board contacted BV again in December to set up a meeting about this topic. We will keep this on the table and keep all options open.

Representative Tom Massey is proposing legislation this year to give district’s incentives in consolidating their services and programs.  We have had some discussions with him about this and will continue to monitor and express our opinions about such legislation.

Is the four day week under consideration?

The school board is considering this option.  We are doing it carefully and thoughtfully.

It is the board’s intention to make a thorough and well-researched decision. John Rouse has created a Calendar Committee (made up of staff and community members). The Board has requested that the Calendar Committee conduct a survey of all affected households to gauge their needs and concerns.  The School Board may not have all the information necessary to consider a four-day school week for the 2010-11 year.

A questionnaire was given to parents and students last fall via their student registration packet. Results gave the committee and the board an idea of preferences and we are focusing our efforts on more research and communication based on the list below:

-What is the educational impact on students at each level?

-What is the financial impact for the school district?

-What costs will be assumed by families if their children need care during the fifth day.

-Does our community have the resources to provide adequate supervision for younger children if they are not in school on a traditional weekday?

-Does the majority of our community want a 4-day week?

In summary, like several other Colorado school districts, the board is looking at a 4-day week purely as an option for financial savings.  We are interested in understanding the affect on education and impact on the community.  It is important to the board to consider the educational impact of every financial decision.

How much do we have in PILT, Honeywell, TABOR money listed under reserves?  Are we required to use this money in a certain way?

PILT - $144,547.34 (projected to receive $704,000 from 2009/10 through 2011/12) There are no requirements on this money. $138,027.20 has been devoted each year for three years (ending with 2012) to pay for the district’s wireless internet and for Computers on Wheels. There is also $30,000 a year that currently goes to Boys and Girls Club.

Honeywell - $80,550 is remaining to date.  This money was donated to the school district and specified to go to the high school. Based on staff recommendation, the money is to be used for projectors, smart boards, document cameras, office furniture, classroom books, a building marquee, and a scholarship grant.

TABOR - $330,000 – The state requires that we have 3% of budgeted expenditures of all funds with the exception of grants and bonded debt service to be used for declared emergencies only. Emergency excludes economic conditions.

Are you taking feedback from faculty and staff seriously?

Absolutely. The School Board has solicited input from the faculty and staff on numerous occasions over the past several years.  Recently, the School Board met with the faculty to solicit input on the current budget.   We take all of your ideas, thoughts and concerns very seriously. The job of the Board is to consider all ideas and make decisions that best support our mission

The mission of the Salida School District, in active partnership with family and community, is to ensure that each and every student is prepared to succeed in life, by providing quality instruction and progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment which will empower students with the skills necessary to achieve their greatest potential.

Some people may think because their idea was not included, it was not valued.  Ultimately, our decisions are based on multiple opinions and is always guided by our educational mission.

Additionally, we hope that staff is helping us look for solutions. We are a volunteer board, and depend, in large part, on input from faculty and staff. We have compiled a list of all of the suggestions made at the February 3 staff meeting and the February 8 Community – Accountability meetings. The board reviewed this information along with other options at our meeting on February 23.

Keep in mind, not everyone agrees.  Know that the board is listening to many opposing viewpoints.  Our job is to consider it all and make a decision that best balances varied opinions.  The ultimate deciding factor is the benefit or impact our decisions have on students.

Is the district in crisis?

No. Crisis is difficult to define.  We will not all agree.  Perhaps one way to explain it is a time of great urgency when decisions have to be made in the moment and there are few options or resources.  Currently, we have options and although our time frame is short, we are not making quick decisions in the heat of the moment.  Difficult yes, crisis no.

It may be several years until state funding is stable.  The School Board must make decisions under the assumption that things may not improve for several years.  Cuts in staffing and programs we make today may persist for years, so they must be made with the utmost care. In the end we have to base our decisions on what will be the least disruptive to our educational environment.

There is no question we are facing difficult times.  The board does not face easy decisions, each one comes with a change, and change is not always easy.  However, the board has created goals, based on community and staff input.

These goals guide our decisions and are continually reviewed and realigned.

We are facing these decisions with facts and a logical/thorough approach. We understand that a lack of knowing may cause anxiety and tension, but these feelings are not crisis. As best we can lets (re)direct our energies to finding the best ways forward and treating people with potential job loss with respect and dignity.

Will there be raises next year?

It is not likely. Our district is not alone. There will still be the 3% increase from the mill levy override money.

Why aren’t we cutting into our reserves?

Reserves are for one-time use such as the cost of a much needed bus, the replacement of boiler for heat in the winter, etc.  This district is in a good position with reserves and does not want to cycle back to the situation twelve – fifteen years ago when reserves were used to fund the budget and therefore became depleted.  We must approach the use of reserves carefully and cautiously.  The board did discuss this option at our February 23 meeting. District policy requires a balance of 15% of budgeted expenditures be reserved.

$2.1 million in reserves – Does it earn interest and where does that go?

It does gain some interest, which varies, as do all interest rates. Any interest gained goes back into the reserve fund.

What are the boards plans and timeline? When will the board’s plan be made public. Due to the anxiety about job cuts, when can you let folks know?

We developed a timeline with Salida Education Association. The board scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, February 23 to discuss financial options for 2010-11.  We anticipate making a few more financial decisions at our regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, March 9.  Our contract with our teachers states the following Reduction in Force notification timelines:

02/26/10 – Notify Association of Board’s “official” action regarding the possible number of positions being considered for reduction in force.  Positions will broken down according to elementary and secondary.

04/01/10 – Individuals will be contacting regarding rif

04/30/10 – notice of involuntary transfer due

06/01/10 – teaching assignments for 2010-112 due

The board does not intend to eliminate any full-time teaching positions, tenured or probationary. There are some personnel that have retired or resigned, which will now be covered by other positions. And, there are some full-time positions that will become part-time.

Other decisions will be presented at the March 9 school board meeting.

You stated that the board has not made any decisions concerning next year, yet you stated no we were not cutting Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizon.” Why is this contradictory?

The statement made at a February meeting should have been…. “Has the board made a decision to sever our relationship with Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizons? No decisions have been made.” “Will Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizons see budget cuts like other classrooms. Yes!”

It was thought that these three programs would be self-sustaining in their first year.  Each program brought in additional students to the district.  The fact is, state funding formulas that base funding on a five-year average to assist districts with a decline in enrollment (as we have been facing for several years), are a disadvantage for increasing enrollment – at least for a few years.

In reality, we did have to supplement the operations of these three programs for 2009-10 and will have to supplement them again, although to a much lesser degree next year before they become self-sustaining in 2011 or 2012.  The board looked at financial projections for the next five years and see that not only will these programs be self-sustaining, but they will bring in more money than their operating budgets for the long term.  The additional monies they will bring in will more than compensate for the money supplemented in the short term. Looking long term, this is the only way the board can compensate for decreasing enrollment and decreasing state funding. It will help stabilize our funding for all students and all staff in the future.

Adding these programs to our district supports our mission, which is to educate our kids for the 21st century.  Providing alternative educational programs makes our district competitive with other school districts in the state and will, in the long run, be an asset to our community.

Please understand, the addition of these three programs did not cause next year’s financial short falls. The budget changes we face are due only to state funding decreases and increases in worker’s compensation, PERA, and utilities.

Do you have a feasibility report done per the accountability committees?

Yes, that meeting occured February 22.  For those who do not know, the master agreement between the board and the Salida Education Association requires a feasibility study.

Do you think it is wise to focus on buildings when people are losing their jobs and we are working at barebones now?  Is it realistic for a community to support this?

Money used to build facilities does not come from our operating budget.  Any money used to build a school will come from a bond issue (voted on by the community) and/or from grant money (such as the Colorado BEST funding which provides up to 41% of the cost to build a school). Building a new school does not come out of the money used to operate schools or pay salaries.  In addition, the BEST funding will probably not be available for more than a few years.  This is our best chance for the foreseeable future of attaining State funding assistance with building new schools to replace our deteriorating facilities.

Building a new school will have a significant impact on future budgets because a more efficient school will decrease utility costs and reduce the operating budget.

It has never been easy in this community to raise money for our schools.  If we get this BEST grant, we will still need to pass a bond issue to get this funding.  We will all have to work together to achieve this.

In short, building new schools does not come at the expense of teaching positions.  We need to balance our operating budget, which is independent of the new building issue.

How much money is gained by high school eating lunch on campus?

The Salida School Board voted to have freshman and sophomores eat lunch on campus beginning with the 2009-10 school year. Juniors and seniors are able to leave campus for lunch. Having a closed-campus lunch for 9th and 10th grade has provided a net revenue increase of $20,735.

Many other factors were considered when making this decision, such as improving student safety and student nutrition and reducing tardiness.  These factors are still valid and important regardless of the financial impact.

It is important to understand that we have supplemented the food service department for many years and have decreased the amount of supplementation over the last few years.  It will probably never be a self-sustaining department, but with 38% of our students on free or reduced lunch plans, we believe it is important support to students’ health and education.  Each year we evaluate the program and implement changes to make it more efficient.

Longfellow paras are essential to student success!

The board values all employees, departments, and programs.  These decisions are not a matter of what or who we value.  We understand that any decision we make will have an impact.  Every option we face there will be support for and against. In the end, the board will have to make some very difficult decisions.

Is the district considering grant writing?  Either through a grant writer or a superintendent with grant/fundraising experience?

We have written grants and continue to do so.  Grants are definitely helpful. They are usually for a short amount of time and are designated for a very specific use.  When the grant money runs out, the board then has to determine how to continue funding the program.  Grants are another source of money that are unreliable or for short-term use only. They are also highly competitive right now.

Financial – Add parental and community input.

We have been aggressively pursuing dialogue with the staff and community for the past three years.  We have had conversations about priorities, goals, expectations, 21st Century skills, buildings, and leadership to help us develop a plan that gives us direction and create successes through all types of financial conditions.  The resulting plan, driven by our missions and goals, came from these discussions and has directed our decisions.  It is a continuous conversation.

Can parents help pay for field trip costs or sports bus costs?

Parents can always make contributions to the school district.  We have to carefully consider charging fees for field trips and student activities because not all families are able.  We do not want to create that obstacle to educational opportunities.

Could all employees take a small pay cut to help keep more people employed?

We have worked hard to get staff salaries to the current level.  At this time, the board is not considering this option.  Employees will get their 3% mill levy override increase for the 2010-11 school year.

Does the district have any assets that can generate revenue?  Any land that can be leased?

The school district does have property along Holman Avenue. It is used mainly for the Ben Oswald Soccer Fields (a long-term GoCo Grant) as well as the Loyal Duke Dog Park, and a bike park.

The school district also has a few empty lots in Poncha Springs and we have been discussing the best use for this property including the idea of developing a building trades program for our high school students. If houses were built on these lots, they could potentially be sold or rented. There is still a great deal of discussion that needs to take place.

Do we have to have a food service program? Do we need a food service director?

We do have a food service program.  It is an important program for our students to have access to food so they have energy to learn.  It is especially important because 38% of our students are on free or reduced-lunch programs because their families meet federal requirements and need this support for the health of their children.  Our program provides most of these students with breakfast and lunch.

We hired a food service director two years ago.  The decision has been beneficial to the district and we have seen reduced costs, improved meal options, and someone who understands and helps comply with federal regulations.

Are we required to have a transportation program?

No.

Transportation:  Are they paid hourly or salary? Do they receive benefits?

Bus drivers are paid either hourly or by salary. They currently receive half of the benefits for insurance regardless of hourly or salary. Medicare and PERA still have to be paid.

Why are the busses so empty going to/returning from sporting events

We do have a transportation program that gets students to and from school, student activities, and field trips.  In terms of sporting events, parents who attend an away game often take their students home after the event.

Do we need a maintenance director?  If competent people were hired, they could be given a job description and I’m sure would be able to handle most responsibilities.

We hired a maintenance director a year ago and have seen significant improvement in care of our buildings.  We have also saved money on repairs that can now be done by our staff instead of by contract work.

Is it possible to ask for any tax increases next November to help cover expenses?

We are limited by Colorado law in how much we can ask from the public in increased taxes.  We were successful in getting a mill levy override/tax increase two years ago that is going to staff salary increases and are currently unable to request more. Our community is quite conservative and asking for increased taxes is not an easy request to pass.

We will most likely be on the November ballot for a bond issue to build a new school.  Keep in mind that money to build schools does not come from the district operating budget and therefore does not impact our day-to-day operations.  A new school building would be funded from a bond (a tax increase) and possibly some grant money such as Colorado BEST which funds up to 41% of the cost.  If we build a new school, the energy efficiency would have a great benefit to our operating budget by decreasing utility costs.

Do we face the same cuts as prisons?

We do not know what budget cuts prisons face this year.

Why can’t students take CMC credited classes during the school day?

Our students are able to take dual enrollment courses at CMC or Adams State. This does not reduce any costs to the district however.

Are the COWS (computers on wheels) meeting our needs and goals?  Are these better uses of monies?

The COWS are being used in classrooms.  It allows children more computer time during school and helps them integrate technology into their classroom. We will ask for a report on usage and effectiveness at a future board meeting.

Are any administrative positions going to be cut?

We have looked at all options from administrative to teaching to support staff.

As with the overall staff, overall budget, there are not many areas to cut. We do not have assistant superintendents or assistant principals. Our staff, at all levels, wear many hats, so we do not believe there is duplication at any level.

The board has agreed to take one administrative position from full-time to part-time.

How much do we spend each year on sports?  salaries, transportation…..everything?

$615,615. This is for all student activities at all grade levels.