Perhaps it is time again to focus on our schools and the directions we should take for the 2009-10 school year. All around the country and state we are experiencing unprecedented financial woes. Here in Marion County, we are experiencing slow economic growth and one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
School districts are facing major decisions about their viability. The most recent recommended cut is an additional 7 percent in the budget at the midpoint of the school year. Many expenditures for the school district have already been spent, encumbered and needed for salaries for the balance of the year and many districts are scrambling to stay viable after having to maintain services after three or four budget cuts.
This is becoming an increasingly difficult task.
Many districts are depleting their fund balances and cash reserve in an effort to maintain current services. There will be major reductions in services and staff, as many districts prepare for school year 2009-2010 with a budget reduction of 15-25 percent.
Many leaders in education will face the new challenge with bold and exciting solutions towards making education realistic for all of the students. In Marion School District Two we are enforcing the following budgetary reductions and restraints:
The ninth grade program at the Marion County Technical Education Center will be eliminated.
There will be no summer school programs.
Approval is required for a reduction in purchasing supplies and food for programs and essential travel.
There will be a reduction in staff development and in field trips.
Only essential vacancies will be filled.
The APPLE Program will have to be restructured or eliminated and there will likely be a reduction in after school sports programs
As we move forward, we will begin to outline how we will restructure our education programs to meet the fiscal challenges of the coming school year.
There will be a very short supply of funds and resources, though we will continue to provide a good education for the students in Marion County.
Perhaps the suggestions of four-day school weeks, consolidation and a host of other ideas will be listened to. We will need to take a careful, thoughtful and well-planned approach to insuring a very good education system for Marion County.
I believe the time is ripe for the dialogue and for careful planning and implementation of a school system or systems that will address our challenges for the future. We are on the dawn of change.
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