The focus of the public informational meeting was the April 1 vote asking voters to allow the district to spend $500,000 above state-imposed revenue caps annually for the next five years.
The session was chaired by Board President Brian Flannery with input from Administrator Chris Thomalla.
"We've fought off the wolves as long as we can," Flannery said, stressing that "the board has been very accountable to the taxpayers."
Thomalla said the need for the cash infusion is through no fault on the part of the district.
"There is a structural, inherent deficit in the way we fund education," he said, and calls for deep cuts in student programs and extra-curricular activities would only make a bad situation worse.
"Those cuts would be really detrimental to our students educationally and! would lead to more students leaving the district through the open enrollment process," he said, adding that as enrollment drops "then you are asking, do we keep a school in Elcho."
The goal of the referendum isn't to fund new facilities or programs, but to maintain the status quo and eliminate a projected budget deficit. Affected programs include family and consumer education, technical education, art, business and elementary music. Also included is the elementary Reading First program now funded largely by grant dollars.
The spending would increase the mill rate from the current $5.46 per $1,000 of equalized valuation to $6.10, a 64 cent increase. The owner of a $100,000 piece of property would see an increase of $64 annually to cover the cost.
Thomalla stressed that the increase represents a "worse case scenario," not figuring on any increases in property values.
"It is based on property values as they are today," he said.
Elcho current! ly has the 17th lowest tax rate out of 375 K-12 school distric! ts in Wi sconsin. The state's average mill rate is $8.45.
Flannery said that over the last several years, the board has been pushing a variety of programs that has required additional spending. The new 3x5 class schedule, implemented this year, required additional staff, the board hired a Spanish instructor instead of relying on distance learning classes and split one large elementary class into two sections, again requiring more staff.
"They were decisions made, we felt, in the best interest of our kids," he said. "It was to help our children. And that is what we are here for."
Flannery noted the poor condition of the national, state and local economy. But those same reasons are making the vote necessary.
"It is not a good time to ask for this," he admitted. 'But we have had a good record of savings....We don't want to go backwards."
Questions at the session focused largely on individual programs, including child care and home economics, and whethe! r the board has considered sports cutbacks.
Thomalla said that while trimming sports could save dollars, it would also hasten students leaving the district through open enrollment, adding to the detrimental effect.
Prior to the informational session the board met in special session to act on personnel matters.
Members accepted the resignations of special education teacher Betsy Shauger and junior high social studies and science teacher Stephanie Bures. They also accepted the retirement of kindergarten teacher Cindy Rife pending an agreement with the Elcho Teachers Association.
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Sandy Naidu is a home business entrepreneur. Sandy's website www.! DotComMo thers.com publishes interviews with women business owners. Most of the guests are mothers who have created a successful home based business. The interviews on www.dotcommothers.com/ will not only inspire you but will also give you business ideas. The site publishes three interviews every month. Check out at www.dotcommothers.com/
Source: http://www.antigodailyjournal.com/full.php?id=5588
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1 comment:
Sessions like this one helps get things back on track and re focused. Good work.
You might want to hear about the Young Entrepreneur Society from the www.YoungEntrepreneurSociety.com. A great documentary about successful entrepreneurs.
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