In their meeting on May 4, the Clover Park School District Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing program and staffing reductions for the 2009-10 school year. The resolution authorized the reduction of 29.4 certificated positions and seven administrators. In addition to nearly an $8.8 million reduction in state revenue, Clover Park School District (CPSD) officials anticipate an enrollment decline of about 147 students, equaling a revenue loss of approximately $800,000.
“The funding loss to Clover Park School District as a result of the state’s $9.3 billion revenue shortfall equals nearly $8.8 million (I-728 and levy equalization),” explained CPSD superintendent Debbie LeBeau. “We anticipate that we will receive approximately $6 million in federal stimulus funding to offset the loss in state revenue. However, when coupled with an enrollment decline, we estimate we will have a nearly $3.5 million funding loss.”
The reductions also include approximately $150,000 in classified staff positions and between $850,000 and $2 million in non-employee related costs (i.e., utilities, insurance, library books, etc.)
“We have done our best to avoid impacts to classrooms,” said LeBeau. “Early this school year, we froze all non-school hiring, non-essential spending (including travel) and will use levy carryover funds to offset revenue losses.”
CPSD officials have used several strategies to lessen the impact of the funding loss to the classroom including program changes and administrative reductions. In addition, a two percent reduction in school budgets for 2009-10 was implemented and hopefully can be restored in a more stable budget climate.
Five parameters from the superintendent guided budget reduction decisions:
- Avoid budget cuts/impacts to classrooms;
- Maintain class sizes;
- Close no elementary schools for the 2009-10 school year;
- Make reductions to programs where state funding is reduced; and
- Align budget decisions with previously developed budget decision making criteria.
The school board adopted a reduction plan that allows the district to best serve its students. However, the fiscal challenges will remain for some time since the state’s budget is based on using short-term federal stimulus dollars.
Washington law requires that certificated employees that are to be non-renewed must be notified by May 15.
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