Post by gatormom on Feb 26, 2009 7:44:30 GMT -5
Dist. 200 board hears concerns about spending cuts
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=275096&src=2
Robert Sanchez
Daily Herald Staff
2/26/2009
As Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board members got to work trimming millions of dollars in spending, they made assurances that they are listening to community feedback.
"None of us are taking this as a done deal or a rubber stamp," board member Barb Intihar said during Wednesday night's meeting Feb. 25.
Board members say they've already received a flood of e-mails and phone calls since the district released a list of proposed budget cuts on its Web site. They won't decide until March 11 how many of the roughly $7.8 million in suggested reductions will be implemented.
Even if all the cuts are made, District 200 still might need to borrow money to address a projected $14 million shortfall in the 2009-2010 budget.
Board member John Bomher said all the decisions that must be made in the coming weeks will be very difficult.
"Many of these reductions will result in people losing their jobs or stipends being reduced," Bomher said. Still, he added, "We have to tighten our belt and get through these difficult times."
The proposed cost-reduction plan calls for the elimination of 12 to 16 teaching positions at the elementary schools. That would save $1.05 million while still maintaining the district's standards for class sizes, officials said. District 200 could save another $600,000 by eliminating six to eight teaching positions at the four middle schools.
While efforts will be made to reduce staffing levels through retirements, normal attrition and not filling vacant positions, district officials have warned there might be layoffs.
On Wednesday, only one parent showed up to ask about some of the proposed cuts. But district officials say they have gotten feedback from parents concerned about a suggestion to eliminate several "B" sports teams at the middle schools.
An online petition has been started in opposition of the change, which would affect about 240 seventh- and eighth-graders who play on the "B" teams for boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball. Eliminating the "B" teams would slash $151,000 out of the budget, officials estimate.
As someone who has coached in the past, Bomher said he is very aware of the benefits of the district's sports programs and extracurricular activities. However, he said, the board must be "mindful of the taxpayers and the burden on them" when making financial decisions.
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=275096&src=2
Robert Sanchez
Daily Herald Staff
2/26/2009
As Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board members got to work trimming millions of dollars in spending, they made assurances that they are listening to community feedback.
"None of us are taking this as a done deal or a rubber stamp," board member Barb Intihar said during Wednesday night's meeting Feb. 25.
Board members say they've already received a flood of e-mails and phone calls since the district released a list of proposed budget cuts on its Web site. They won't decide until March 11 how many of the roughly $7.8 million in suggested reductions will be implemented.
Even if all the cuts are made, District 200 still might need to borrow money to address a projected $14 million shortfall in the 2009-2010 budget.
Board member John Bomher said all the decisions that must be made in the coming weeks will be very difficult.
"Many of these reductions will result in people losing their jobs or stipends being reduced," Bomher said. Still, he added, "We have to tighten our belt and get through these difficult times."
The proposed cost-reduction plan calls for the elimination of 12 to 16 teaching positions at the elementary schools. That would save $1.05 million while still maintaining the district's standards for class sizes, officials said. District 200 could save another $600,000 by eliminating six to eight teaching positions at the four middle schools.
While efforts will be made to reduce staffing levels through retirements, normal attrition and not filling vacant positions, district officials have warned there might be layoffs.
On Wednesday, only one parent showed up to ask about some of the proposed cuts. But district officials say they have gotten feedback from parents concerned about a suggestion to eliminate several "B" sports teams at the middle schools.
An online petition has been started in opposition of the change, which would affect about 240 seventh- and eighth-graders who play on the "B" teams for boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball. Eliminating the "B" teams would slash $151,000 out of the budget, officials estimate.
As someone who has coached in the past, Bomher said he is very aware of the benefits of the district's sports programs and extracurricular activities. However, he said, the board must be "mindful of the taxpayers and the burden on them" when making financial decisions.