Post by title1parent on Feb 10, 2009 6:51:41 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1421747,West-schools-grapple-with-funds_au020909.article
West schools grapple with lack of cash
District weighs cuts in programs, purchasing
February 10, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
From slashing jobs to closing schools in an attempt to tighten its financial belt, the West Aurora School Board heard a variety of recommendations Monday night which could potentially affect next year's budget.
In front of an audience of more than 200 residents and staff members, Superintendent of Finance Vickie Nissen outlined the economic troubles of the district, which is facing delayed state payment, a decrease in general state aid and a community in which the assessed value of homes continues to fall.
"This creates a situation for us where we have to ask tough questions," Superintendent James Rydland said. "And I feel we need to have an open dialogue."
In the West Aurora High School cafeteria, board members gave their opinions about the proposed solutions to the ever-growing economic problem. Rydland said residents will be able to offer their input at a later date.
Unsure of how much state funding will eventually find its way into the West Aurora School District bank account, board members assured the district would continue moving forward with its mission of student improvement — despite a dwindling budget.
Board president Al Rhea applauded Rydland's prompt attention to the dire situation — looking at the impact of this year on the next, and planning for it.
Planning, Rydland found, is not an easy thing to do as the district's finances continue to change. Sure, the state could end up providing the district with the more than $3 million it is owed for programs already in place, but Rydland said it's not likely.
"In the absence of change, we have to make some tough choices," he said.
Class field trips taken during the day could potentially be nixed, and driver's education fees might increase by as much as $50 to help decrease the more than $255,000 the district pays each year for the state mandated program.
Technology purchases might be delayed, and school buses could be kept longer.
Also facing a major setback are the children in need of early education, staff members pointed out. Next year, more than $200,000 in state grants are expected to be dropped, and the money delegated by the state for programs currently in place has yet to be seen.
To help combat budget issues, Rydland said it is important to get every penny the district deserves.
Staff members pointed out the importance of school attendance in the state's funding formula, and encouraged residents to make sure every student is registered and in place on the first day of class. This, Nissen said, could mean an additional $1 million in general state aid.
Ensuring students are taking advantage of reduced-price or free lunch programs is also crucial, they noted, as additional funds could be found this way as well.
"The culture has to change. The idea that it is OK that we as taxpayers are expected to pay and will pay (for state mandated programs) is not fair," Rydland said. "But for some reason we have created the type of culture that has enabled, supported and allowed (the state to do this). The accountability is not there … for some reason our leaders think that is OK, and that absolutely has to change."
But, as he pointed out, that will not happen overnight, and the district must take as many strides as it can while still promoting a healthy learning environment.
"Now more than ever we have to be advocates of public education," Rydland said.
West schools grapple with lack of cash
District weighs cuts in programs, purchasing
February 10, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
From slashing jobs to closing schools in an attempt to tighten its financial belt, the West Aurora School Board heard a variety of recommendations Monday night which could potentially affect next year's budget.
In front of an audience of more than 200 residents and staff members, Superintendent of Finance Vickie Nissen outlined the economic troubles of the district, which is facing delayed state payment, a decrease in general state aid and a community in which the assessed value of homes continues to fall.
"This creates a situation for us where we have to ask tough questions," Superintendent James Rydland said. "And I feel we need to have an open dialogue."
In the West Aurora High School cafeteria, board members gave their opinions about the proposed solutions to the ever-growing economic problem. Rydland said residents will be able to offer their input at a later date.
Unsure of how much state funding will eventually find its way into the West Aurora School District bank account, board members assured the district would continue moving forward with its mission of student improvement — despite a dwindling budget.
Board president Al Rhea applauded Rydland's prompt attention to the dire situation — looking at the impact of this year on the next, and planning for it.
Planning, Rydland found, is not an easy thing to do as the district's finances continue to change. Sure, the state could end up providing the district with the more than $3 million it is owed for programs already in place, but Rydland said it's not likely.
"In the absence of change, we have to make some tough choices," he said.
Class field trips taken during the day could potentially be nixed, and driver's education fees might increase by as much as $50 to help decrease the more than $255,000 the district pays each year for the state mandated program.
Technology purchases might be delayed, and school buses could be kept longer.
Also facing a major setback are the children in need of early education, staff members pointed out. Next year, more than $200,000 in state grants are expected to be dropped, and the money delegated by the state for programs currently in place has yet to be seen.
To help combat budget issues, Rydland said it is important to get every penny the district deserves.
Staff members pointed out the importance of school attendance in the state's funding formula, and encouraged residents to make sure every student is registered and in place on the first day of class. This, Nissen said, could mean an additional $1 million in general state aid.
Ensuring students are taking advantage of reduced-price or free lunch programs is also crucial, they noted, as additional funds could be found this way as well.
"The culture has to change. The idea that it is OK that we as taxpayers are expected to pay and will pay (for state mandated programs) is not fair," Rydland said. "But for some reason we have created the type of culture that has enabled, supported and allowed (the state to do this). The accountability is not there … for some reason our leaders think that is OK, and that absolutely has to change."
But, as he pointed out, that will not happen overnight, and the district must take as many strides as it can while still promoting a healthy learning environment.
"Now more than ever we have to be advocates of public education," Rydland said.