Post by momto4 on Mar 24, 2010 7:04:13 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/napertalk/2119070,6_1_NA24_PAGE2COL_S1-100324.article
When budget cuts come, so do rumors
March 24, 2010
Writer Henry Ward Beecher said in the 1800s that "rumor has winged feet like Mercury."
Well, in 2010, the rumors seem to be flying faster than the Roman god ever did.
Ever since the news broke that Indian Prairie District 204 would have to cut an additional $12.2 million from the 2011 budget due to a lack of state funds, speculation began.
"The rumors run rampant in these situations," Superintendent Kathy Birkett said.
Last week The Sun wrote about the rumor that District 204 is gutting its music program. District officials stressed the band and orchestra will play on, and the choirs will continue to sing. In reality, District 204 is eliminating middle school technique classes, and 19 music teachers (15 middle school technique and four elementary) were given notice. Music students, parents, alumni and teachers contend, though, that this is akin to gutting the program.
While this rumor might have received the most attention, there are plenty more circulating in the community. At the start of Monday night's board meeting, Birkett took the opportunity to address several of those rumors -- including a few wild ones that have been making the rounds.
"We are not closing Waubonsie Valley High School," she said as the crowd of approximately 300 laughed at the notion. "Or any elementary schools or changing boundaries at this time."
Current enrollment at the high school level is increasing next year by approximately 275 students, she said. Projections for when current grades four through seven reach high school indicate the enrollment will be up by 500 students.
"Closing a high school is not a recommendation," Birkett said.
Speaking of high schools, the building of Metea Valley "did not create this financial nightmare," she said.
"MVHS was built with referendum money, voted on by our parent community and our business community, which cannot be used to address the financial shortfall," Birkett said.
And while we're on the topic of referendums ...
"We have not spoken about running a referendum," Birkett said.
She stressed the current financial situation is not of the district's own making.
"I want to be sure people understand that," Birkett said. "District 204 has been extremely fiscally responsible."
The district has been able to balance the budget and maintain 25 percent or more in reserves, she said. Indian Prairie has also been recognized by the state for its financial situation.
"Contrary to rumor, there have been no additional teachers released beyond those who were spoken to by their administrators," Birkett said.
On Monday the board formally approved non-renewal notices for 145 non-tenured teachers. A teacher becomes tenured after starting his or her fifth year.
Although some class sizes are expected to change as a result of the layoffs, none -- with the exception of middle school techniques -- are being eliminated. That means the rumor of all-day kindergarten ending is just that: a rumor.
"It is a financially productive and educationally sound program for us," Birkett said. "However, we will continue to monitor that financial situation."
Surprised there were so many? Actually, I would go out on limb and say it's likely a good many more are out there, floating around. Haven't heard 'em yet?
Don't worry, you most likely will. As the poet Horace said: "Nothing is swifter than rumor."
Contact Kathy Cichon at kcichon@stmedianetwork.com.
When budget cuts come, so do rumors
March 24, 2010
Writer Henry Ward Beecher said in the 1800s that "rumor has winged feet like Mercury."
Well, in 2010, the rumors seem to be flying faster than the Roman god ever did.
Ever since the news broke that Indian Prairie District 204 would have to cut an additional $12.2 million from the 2011 budget due to a lack of state funds, speculation began.
"The rumors run rampant in these situations," Superintendent Kathy Birkett said.
Last week The Sun wrote about the rumor that District 204 is gutting its music program. District officials stressed the band and orchestra will play on, and the choirs will continue to sing. In reality, District 204 is eliminating middle school technique classes, and 19 music teachers (15 middle school technique and four elementary) were given notice. Music students, parents, alumni and teachers contend, though, that this is akin to gutting the program.
While this rumor might have received the most attention, there are plenty more circulating in the community. At the start of Monday night's board meeting, Birkett took the opportunity to address several of those rumors -- including a few wild ones that have been making the rounds.
"We are not closing Waubonsie Valley High School," she said as the crowd of approximately 300 laughed at the notion. "Or any elementary schools or changing boundaries at this time."
Current enrollment at the high school level is increasing next year by approximately 275 students, she said. Projections for when current grades four through seven reach high school indicate the enrollment will be up by 500 students.
"Closing a high school is not a recommendation," Birkett said.
Speaking of high schools, the building of Metea Valley "did not create this financial nightmare," she said.
"MVHS was built with referendum money, voted on by our parent community and our business community, which cannot be used to address the financial shortfall," Birkett said.
And while we're on the topic of referendums ...
"We have not spoken about running a referendum," Birkett said.
She stressed the current financial situation is not of the district's own making.
"I want to be sure people understand that," Birkett said. "District 204 has been extremely fiscally responsible."
The district has been able to balance the budget and maintain 25 percent or more in reserves, she said. Indian Prairie has also been recognized by the state for its financial situation.
"Contrary to rumor, there have been no additional teachers released beyond those who were spoken to by their administrators," Birkett said.
On Monday the board formally approved non-renewal notices for 145 non-tenured teachers. A teacher becomes tenured after starting his or her fifth year.
Although some class sizes are expected to change as a result of the layoffs, none -- with the exception of middle school techniques -- are being eliminated. That means the rumor of all-day kindergarten ending is just that: a rumor.
"It is a financially productive and educationally sound program for us," Birkett said. "However, we will continue to monitor that financial situation."
Surprised there were so many? Actually, I would go out on limb and say it's likely a good many more are out there, floating around. Haven't heard 'em yet?
Don't worry, you most likely will. As the poet Horace said: "Nothing is swifter than rumor."
Contact Kathy Cichon at kcichon@stmedianetwork.com.