School district prepares for major cuts

At Thursday’s school board meeting, Borgen painted a pretty bleak picture of the school district’s finances, but stressed that it’s too early to know just how much state budget cuts will affect the school district. His worst-case scenario included an anticipated drop in the number of students next year as well as threatened budget cuts by the state legislature.

School Board member Carol Pyke said “This is a great opportunity to reshape our programs.” Fellow board member Mitch Everton said “We’re an asset-rich district” with fewer kids, but no reduction in facilities to match.

Borgen said they had worked up three scenarios: The first one anticipated a loss of $2. million, based mostly on the Governor’s budget proposal. The projected state revenue shortfall has ballooned since then. The second scenario anticipated a shortfall of $3.4 million and the third scenario was what Borgen called the worst-case, a shortfall of $4 million.

District Finance Director Matthews said she’s planning for 104 fewer students next school year. Fewer students means less revenue from the state and federal governments, even without budget cuts. Borgen told the school board “Some families are struggling and looking for jobs elsewhere.”

Borgen also said legislators in Olympia are indicating they won’t fund Initiative 728 which voters approved to reduce class size. Matthews said cuts could mean as many as two dozen certified teachers wouldn’t be rehired by next school year. Cuts include reducing the number of classes in several areas, reducing after-school programs and eliminating substance abuse counseling.

District Athletic Director Rick Mergenthaler suggested there are several areas where student fees could be added or increased, such as having students pay for bus trips out of the district.

The school district must make some decisions and notify teaching staff by May 15. The school board decided to hold a special meeting on May 5 to review the budget.