Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Public Comment: Three teachers from the high school made the case for retaining the electives in business education, industrial technology, and family & consumer science. These courses provide practical skills for college, careers, and household management.
Announcements: Eighth grade students received awards for leadership, spelling, reading, attendance, music, and academic achievements. The Middle school bands presented concerts that were well received. The Tattered Pages bookstore had a successful Mother’s Day book event. High School Activities Director Tom Graupmann has earned a Master’s in Athletic Administration. A group called Parents United has been organized to advocate for public education.
What Will it Take to Survive the Funding Cliff? Dr. Richardson presented the report of the Minnesota School Boards Association on the impending financial crisis for schools. IF the state budget shortfall for the next biennium is $5.7 billion (a low estimate), and IF ALL of [the following] ideas were implemented, the deficit would still be $100 million, and the state Constitution requires a balanced budget. (None of these ideas is endorsed by the MSBA):
- Increase from 27% to 59% the amount of state aid promised to districts that is postponed for a year.
- Racino income is available.
- Local Government Aid is eliminated completely.
- State sales tax is applied to clothing.
- Other sales tax exemptions are eliminated.
- Income taxes on incomes over $250,000 are increased.
- Human Services budget is cut by $1 billion.
- Education budget is cut by $1 billion.
Implications for schools include possible increases in class size, reduced electives, co-curricular activities, academic options, and staff reductions. Also, furloughs or wage reductions, or a four-day week for students are among the possibilities.
Tom Stinger presented the General Fund Budget as it is taking shape. It will amount to about $36,400,000. Enrollments are expected to decline slightly. Per student allocations from the state amount to $5,124. Money from the operating referendum provides $1,228 per student, but this funding source expires in 2013-14.
Richard Bodman & Hongyuan Lang gave the District $1200 for table tennis equipment, which was gratefully acknowledged.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45.
