Economic cloud continues to loom over local districts

The Wahkiakum School Board met April 22 to continue the discussion of the need to reduce expenditures for the school year 2009-10.

Superintendent Bob Garrett said without the final budget from the governor, it makes it difficult to make the final decisions for the district, however, opened the discussion for ideas.

Last month, the board approved Garrett to make $150,000 in cuts for the district. That figure, Garrett said, would offset the corresponding drop in revenue tied to the decrease in enrollment from last year to this year.

School staff was not reduced this year, even though there was a greater enrollment decline than expected. The district is still faced with two more cuts. Staff must be notified by May 15 if they will be among those receiving a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice.

If the Legislature has an extended session to continue budget meetings, the notification deadline can be extended, however, the collective bargaining agreement does not allow for such an extension. Garrett said staff must be notified by May 15. He estimates a loss of $240,000.

The board discussed options for the continued cuts, but opted not to make any final decisions until after the legislature turns in their final decisions. Legislature finished their regular session April 26.

A large portion of the student body participates in extra-curricular programs. The programs cost the district around $130,000. That includes stipends and travel expenses. The district needs to cut approximately $350,000.

There is value in extra curricular programs, and the community is very supportive of those programs, Garrett said. On a list of cuts, it is unlikely there won’t be something that somebody will have an issue with.

Garrett told the board if they didn’t want to cut all extra curricular programs, something needs to be considered. Either a program cut in connection with pay to play, or pay to play.

Approximately 50 percent of the student body is on a free or reduced lunch program. “My guess is it is going to be hard for them to come up with money to be able to pay to play.

“Personally, I think it’s important that there be something in the extra curricular program for kids, both boys and girls, to do every season of the year. We all know what the fall sports are, we know what the winter sports are and we know what the spring sports are; and we know how many kids are in every program.”

What should be taken into consideration, Garrett said, are the programs that bring out the community. Those are the programs that generate revenue; not for the district, but for the Associated Student Body (ASB).

There are, however, programs that don’t bring in any funds for the district or the ASB. Cross country, golf, baseball, softball and cheerleading; just to name a few, he added.If one of the programs is cut, it would be likely that a booster club would gather to give that team a financial nudge.

Coaching salaries amount to approximately $110,000. John Hannah suggested gathering other coaches together to cut that figure in half by each coach only taking half their coaching salaries home. “That would save a teacher almost, right?” he asked adding he would be surprised to find a coach who insisted on full salary.

Garrett, who also serves as the district's Athletic Director, said if the coaches agreed to half their salaries, he would AD for free. The Athletic Director usually brings in $3,600 per year.

A special meeting to discuss all budget cuts will be May 6 at 7 p.m. in the high school library.

In other business, JAW/JCT Principal Theresa Libby reported this year’s family night was very successful and everyone seemed to have a good time. “A big thank you goes out to the staff and students who make this event possible,” she said.

The kindergarten through second grade music program is April 30 (tonight) in the multi-purpose room at 7 p.m., and the spring band and choir concert is set for June 3 at the high school at 7 p.m.

Missoula Children’s Theater is holding try-outs on May 11 with performances on May 16. This year’s performance will be “The Little Mermaid.” Funding for MCT comes from the Parent Teacher Organization money.

Wahkiakum High School Principal Loren Davis announced students of the month for March. They are: Freshman Jessina Vandal, Sophomore Jori McEntire, Junior Justin McClain, and Senior Jasmine Bingham. The Lion’s Club/KLOG Senior is Amanda Collier.

On May 7, sophomore GEAR-UP students will travel to the Oregon Convention Center for Youth Career Day. Here, they will have the opportunity to investigate careers in the trades and apprenticeship programs, Davis said.

For the first time, as part of the new advisory program, students will have the chance to lead the discussion of their academic experience and goals with their parents. They will show off their portfolios and talk about their futures after high school.

Garrett reminded the board that there are two school board positions up for election. The filing period is the week of June 1.