Thanks to all who voted in Tuesday’s election regarding the Whitko Referendum Question. While of course the school system wanted the issue to pass. We much more wanted the public to have the chance to vote on the direction we should take. We understand the times we live in and the financial situations of our families. We believe the safety net is needed for schools but recognize the need to live within our budgets.
The initial question everyone is asking is, now that the referendum question did not pass, now what? The answer is like we’ve said all along. We wait and see what funding is in the next couple years. The whole idea from the start is to have the referendum pass as an additional safety net.
There are NO current plans for reductions, consolidations or closings of anything. We have a balanced budget for next year, we have the availability of the Jobs Bill funds, and we have a small cash balance. Those items should carry us through the next year or two. The only factor out of our control is what the state may due in reductions or during the upcoming legislative session.
I am proud of our community and their participation in the electoral process and now we must turn our attention to making sure the state legislature meets their responsibility in wise use of the tax dollars we send them.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
November 2nd
Vote your conscious
Vote your heart
Vote informed
But most importantly VOTE!
This Tuesday many important considerations are up for decision. I would ask if you've not stopped and reviewed things that you do prior to Tuesday. One example is tax caps in the Indiana Constitution. We have seen how capping funding has impacted schools. The reductions we've suffered are not from tax caps but legislating away a source of revenue for the future generations does not make sense to me. It is the law now. Legislators can change it as needed if other revenue sources improve. I just can't wrap my head around deciding someone else’s future.
Another item is our referendum. I honestly believe this will be common in Indiana as the local residents will once again be asked to fund their own services from local funds and not state revenues. Cities and towns will continue to look for ways to provide services to residents. I have to stop and think like everyone else. What services do I want to not have? No snow removal, no fire protections, no road repairs, no police protection or something else. I believe we should pay for the services we are asking our governments to provide. I hope we all pay attention to what our elected representatives do with the funds they have and let them know when they are off base.
I really want to encourage you to get involved in the political process and understand this is from someone who does not like politics.
I hope you support the referendum question and Vote Yes for Whitko on Tuesday.
Vote your heart
Vote informed
But most importantly VOTE!
This Tuesday many important considerations are up for decision. I would ask if you've not stopped and reviewed things that you do prior to Tuesday. One example is tax caps in the Indiana Constitution. We have seen how capping funding has impacted schools. The reductions we've suffered are not from tax caps but legislating away a source of revenue for the future generations does not make sense to me. It is the law now. Legislators can change it as needed if other revenue sources improve. I just can't wrap my head around deciding someone else’s future.
Another item is our referendum. I honestly believe this will be common in Indiana as the local residents will once again be asked to fund their own services from local funds and not state revenues. Cities and towns will continue to look for ways to provide services to residents. I have to stop and think like everyone else. What services do I want to not have? No snow removal, no fire protections, no road repairs, no police protection or something else. I believe we should pay for the services we are asking our governments to provide. I hope we all pay attention to what our elected representatives do with the funds they have and let them know when they are off base.
I really want to encourage you to get involved in the political process and understand this is from someone who does not like politics.
I hope you support the referendum question and Vote Yes for Whitko on Tuesday.
Friday, October 15, 2010
How did the $1.25 million in reductions last year affect our community?
How did the $1.25 million in reductions last year affect our community?
These are ballpark numbers since we can’t know each person’s individual finances but some things we know are:
• About $70,000 less in state sales tax and $30,000 less in state income tax. This adds to the state deficit and that has caused our deficit.
• About $1 million less in income that would have fed into the area economy.
• 26 fewer people stopping in for gas, groceries and other services since individuals no longer drive to work here.
In the school it has meant:
• larger class sizes;
• staff working longer to get the tasks complete;
• offices having a harder time responding to needs; and
• changes in instructional practices some good but most just to be able to manage more students per staff member.
The same can be said for any business that has had to let staff go. One difference is we will still have the 1800 students show up tomorrow no matter how many adults are here to work with them. We want to do our best and are committed to doing so even with the economic conditions. I just thought it was interesting how the broader economy is affected as we often think only how the school was affected.
Thanks for the continued support as we strive for Excellence for All.
These are ballpark numbers since we can’t know each person’s individual finances but some things we know are:
• About $70,000 less in state sales tax and $30,000 less in state income tax. This adds to the state deficit and that has caused our deficit.
• About $1 million less in income that would have fed into the area economy.
• 26 fewer people stopping in for gas, groceries and other services since individuals no longer drive to work here.
In the school it has meant:
• larger class sizes;
• staff working longer to get the tasks complete;
• offices having a harder time responding to needs; and
• changes in instructional practices some good but most just to be able to manage more students per staff member.
The same can be said for any business that has had to let staff go. One difference is we will still have the 1800 students show up tomorrow no matter how many adults are here to work with them. We want to do our best and are committed to doing so even with the economic conditions. I just thought it was interesting how the broader economy is affected as we often think only how the school was affected.
Thanks for the continued support as we strive for Excellence for All.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Referendum Update
These are some comments/rumors we’ve heard regarding the referendum. Yes, it is a small sampling, but I wanted to share what is really happening. Here are some facts as of today:
• We still need the referendum question to pass but are not in crisis mode.
• We project the 2010 budget to end where we did in 2009, which is great!
• The 2011 budget is balanced. (That only means our reductions were accurate, not that we don’t need some people and resources to perform better.)
• The current plans are not to raise tax money from the referendum this year if passed (pending state reductions to our funding).
• We are not close to closing or consolidating.
• We may need to make facility renovations sometime, but closing South Whitley Elementary is just way down the line if ever
• There is a public meeting October 5th at 6:30 pm at Whitko High School in the Auditorium (child care provided) to try to share the following:
o What the referendum question means
No taxes if the budget is balanced without them
No current property tax supports salaries or benefits
o Where we have been financially and programmatically
o Where we are now
o Where we’d like to be
o Where we could potentially be
• There is an options committee looking at how to provide services more effectively or efficiently, increase revenue through other means, and/or provide additional resources to assist the schools.
• The amount of funding we received from the federal government Jobs Bill is 27% of the $1.25 million we reduced…or looking at it another way, 2/3 of one year’s reduction. So, if the State reduces us a similar amount to last year, we would need to make up another $150,000 or so.
• We need people to vote yes
• From an email yesterday: Dr. Bennett still advises districts to plan for the worst case scenario as the fiscal indicators are not positive as of today.
• From 9/9/10 Indianapolis Business Journal: Report: State must cut spending, hike taxes or both
Not trying to be Chicken Little but it may sound like the sky is falling
“Gentlemen, we have run out of money. It is time to start thinking. ”Sir Ernest Rutherford, Nobel Laureate (Physics)
• We need the Referendum to pass November 2nd
• As of September 27th Dr Bennett was still saying expect a similar cut (half a million)
• As of September 27th Dr. Larry DeBoer Economics professor indicates 1.2 Billion shortfall for 2012 and 2013 for Indiana
• As of September 30 our Options Committee agreed we can’t cut people’s jobs to get out of the problem we are as thin as we can get.
• As of October 1st our former State Senator indicates a 1.1 Billion shortfall for Indiana
• We are protecting our students from the impending further reductions in state support.
o More reductions mean cuts in staff or programs
• The figures haven’t changed we are still balanced on paper for 2011 and 2012. The problem is the unknown state support.
What can you do?
• Talk it up!
• Hold a coffee time for a board member, Tom or Steve to talk to a few folks.
• Place a sign!
• Help the Referendum Committee (Contact Georgia Tenney at WMS or Jorell Tucker Board member)
o Call
o Canvas
• Vote!
SO is it as bad as all that? Yes. We can make more adjustments but nothing that doesn’t hurt students and staff. We will stay open and will endure these hard times but I must be honest things will not go back to normal (whatever that is) soon.
• We still need the referendum question to pass but are not in crisis mode.
• We project the 2010 budget to end where we did in 2009, which is great!
• The 2011 budget is balanced. (That only means our reductions were accurate, not that we don’t need some people and resources to perform better.)
• The current plans are not to raise tax money from the referendum this year if passed (pending state reductions to our funding).
• We are not close to closing or consolidating.
• We may need to make facility renovations sometime, but closing South Whitley Elementary is just way down the line if ever
• There is a public meeting October 5th at 6:30 pm at Whitko High School in the Auditorium (child care provided) to try to share the following:
o What the referendum question means
No taxes if the budget is balanced without them
No current property tax supports salaries or benefits
o Where we have been financially and programmatically
o Where we are now
o Where we’d like to be
o Where we could potentially be
• There is an options committee looking at how to provide services more effectively or efficiently, increase revenue through other means, and/or provide additional resources to assist the schools.
• The amount of funding we received from the federal government Jobs Bill is 27% of the $1.25 million we reduced…or looking at it another way, 2/3 of one year’s reduction. So, if the State reduces us a similar amount to last year, we would need to make up another $150,000 or so.
• We need people to vote yes
• From an email yesterday: Dr. Bennett still advises districts to plan for the worst case scenario as the fiscal indicators are not positive as of today.
• From 9/9/10 Indianapolis Business Journal: Report: State must cut spending, hike taxes or both
Not trying to be Chicken Little but it may sound like the sky is falling
“Gentlemen, we have run out of money. It is time to start thinking. ”Sir Ernest Rutherford, Nobel Laureate (Physics)
• We need the Referendum to pass November 2nd
• As of September 27th Dr Bennett was still saying expect a similar cut (half a million)
• As of September 27th Dr. Larry DeBoer Economics professor indicates 1.2 Billion shortfall for 2012 and 2013 for Indiana
• As of September 30 our Options Committee agreed we can’t cut people’s jobs to get out of the problem we are as thin as we can get.
• As of October 1st our former State Senator indicates a 1.1 Billion shortfall for Indiana
• We are protecting our students from the impending further reductions in state support.
o More reductions mean cuts in staff or programs
• The figures haven’t changed we are still balanced on paper for 2011 and 2012. The problem is the unknown state support.
What can you do?
• Talk it up!
• Hold a coffee time for a board member, Tom or Steve to talk to a few folks.
• Place a sign!
• Help the Referendum Committee (Contact Georgia Tenney at WMS or Jorell Tucker Board member)
o Call
o Canvas
• Vote!
SO is it as bad as all that? Yes. We can make more adjustments but nothing that doesn’t hurt students and staff. We will stay open and will endure these hard times but I must be honest things will not go back to normal (whatever that is) soon.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Recent News - State Health Coverage
Much press has been made lately about schools saving dollars by switching to the State Health Insurance Program. WNDU Recently stated “A new study shows that public schools in Indiana would save an estimated $297-million by making health insurance changes”. Obviously it depends how you do your figures. That $297 million was extrapolated from looking at schools that did participate and saved money. They had extremely high costs for their insurance and the state plan was a good move for them. It is not necessarily a good move for everyone.
Whitko has reviewed the current state health insurance program. The program would cost us more and our employees would have reduced benefits. If you did a state wide review you would find about 260 districts are like ours and would spend more by participating in the State Health Plan while about 50 would save using the plan.
We will continue to analyze our insurance premiums and benefits. The state plan is not what is right for us now.
Whitko has reviewed the current state health insurance program. The program would cost us more and our employees would have reduced benefits. If you did a state wide review you would find about 260 districts are like ours and would spend more by participating in the State Health Plan while about 50 would save using the plan.
We will continue to analyze our insurance premiums and benefits. The state plan is not what is right for us now.
Results from Past Referendum at WHS
During our recent discussions some patrons asked about the things they were told regarding the high school renovation. Apparently the previous administration indicated renovating the high school would improve achievement. Here are a few samples of how the tax dollars you invested paid off.
• The 4 year Graduation Rate increased 3.88% and is now above the state average by more than 3%
• The number of students pursuing post secondary education went up 10.4% and is now at the state average.
• SAT Scores went up by an average of 15.75 points. The most recent scores were above the state average. (This is amazing considering more students are taking the tests)
• We now have certificated programs in welding and culinary arts.
• Art awards have even increased but we were great before.
• The number of students taking and passing Advanced Placement courses went up.
I was very pleased to see how the work paid off and I hope you are as well.
• The 4 year Graduation Rate increased 3.88% and is now above the state average by more than 3%
• The number of students pursuing post secondary education went up 10.4% and is now at the state average.
• SAT Scores went up by an average of 15.75 points. The most recent scores were above the state average. (This is amazing considering more students are taking the tests)
• We now have certificated programs in welding and culinary arts.
• Art awards have even increased but we were great before.
• The number of students taking and passing Advanced Placement courses went up.
I was very pleased to see how the work paid off and I hope you are as well.
Recent News - Govenor Daniel's Statement
The following comments were from Governor Daniels last night according to the Channel 15 (Fort Wayne) web site:
“School districts on the other hand are pleased to get some relief. Many of them had to cut teachers and close schools during the 2009-2010 school year. The Indiana public education budget was cut by $300 million last year, and there are rumors there will be an equal or greater cut in the middle of this school year. Governor Daniels said Wednesday he doesn't expect to cut public education again to stay in the black.”
"I think we can do that without asking anymore from any of the places including schools," said Daniels.
If this comes true it further reduces the amount of funding we may need from the referendum measure. That would be terrific! We must remember however that one part of the referendum is to have adequate funding available for seven years not just one year. That being said hooray if the State of Indiana does not need to make further education funding cuts.
“School districts on the other hand are pleased to get some relief. Many of them had to cut teachers and close schools during the 2009-2010 school year. The Indiana public education budget was cut by $300 million last year, and there are rumors there will be an equal or greater cut in the middle of this school year. Governor Daniels said Wednesday he doesn't expect to cut public education again to stay in the black.”
"I think we can do that without asking anymore from any of the places including schools," said Daniels.
If this comes true it further reduces the amount of funding we may need from the referendum measure. That would be terrific! We must remember however that one part of the referendum is to have adequate funding available for seven years not just one year. That being said hooray if the State of Indiana does not need to make further education funding cuts.
Recent events - Jobs Bill Impact
Please understand this is conjecture on our part at this time.
Based on what we know today and looking at how things went with the last stimulus funding it appears the $207 million that Indiana will get from the Jobs Bill translates to 2.7% of the State’s K-12 educational budget. That 2.7% should be between $250 and $290 thousand for Whitko depending on what % the state retains for administrative costs. If the rumors are accurate that the State was expecting to reduce K-12 funding by 5%, I believe what will happen is we will just get a smaller reduction. We had estimated our need (possible reduction) at $500,000 so if we are guessing correct the bill funding will cut our reduction about in half.
Based on what we know today and looking at how things went with the last stimulus funding it appears the $207 million that Indiana will get from the Jobs Bill translates to 2.7% of the State’s K-12 educational budget. That 2.7% should be between $250 and $290 thousand for Whitko depending on what % the state retains for administrative costs. If the rumors are accurate that the State was expecting to reduce K-12 funding by 5%, I believe what will happen is we will just get a smaller reduction. We had estimated our need (possible reduction) at $500,000 so if we are guessing correct the bill funding will cut our reduction about in half.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
We are Whitko
Whenever issues regarding funding come up in our current Indiana economic climate, individuals begin to speculate and rumors start flying. Let me answer a couple of those rumors.
Whitko is closing its doors!
This simple answer in no we are not. We are far from that. If we talk about the maximum amount of the referendum we are only talking about 12% of what it takes in general fund to run our schools. Yes, we need to address the funding shortfall created during this economic downturn. Yes it is serious but the sky is not falling and we are Whitko so we will figure out what we need to do in solving this issue.
If this referendum passes we'll just create a budget that uses the maximum amount.
If the administration was so inclined the Board you elected would never allow that. In fact the draft budget we are working on is balanced for 2011, meaning that no additional tax would be levied in 2011. That balance would only be changed if the state further reduced what they said they are going to fund. The Board and administration are committed to balanced budgets. Our problem continues to be the politics of when the state will say you are reduced by a certain amount. We simply, by law, cannot reduce significant amounts once the school year starts. I hate to be pessimistic but I must say that politically I do not expect any reductions to be announced until after the November elections. The timing if that occurs will make it extremely difficult to make expenditure changes on the fly.
I obviously hope you will support our referendum and vote YES on the question in November but I also realize you may choose not to support the referendum. My desire is simply that you consider the facts shared previously on this blog and that will appear as we look at various options. I only want you to make an informed choice. These are your Whitko Schools help us make them what you want them to be.
Whitko is closing its doors!
This simple answer in no we are not. We are far from that. If we talk about the maximum amount of the referendum we are only talking about 12% of what it takes in general fund to run our schools. Yes, we need to address the funding shortfall created during this economic downturn. Yes it is serious but the sky is not falling and we are Whitko so we will figure out what we need to do in solving this issue.
If this referendum passes we'll just create a budget that uses the maximum amount.
If the administration was so inclined the Board you elected would never allow that. In fact the draft budget we are working on is balanced for 2011, meaning that no additional tax would be levied in 2011. That balance would only be changed if the state further reduced what they said they are going to fund. The Board and administration are committed to balanced budgets. Our problem continues to be the politics of when the state will say you are reduced by a certain amount. We simply, by law, cannot reduce significant amounts once the school year starts. I hate to be pessimistic but I must say that politically I do not expect any reductions to be announced until after the November elections. The timing if that occurs will make it extremely difficult to make expenditure changes on the fly.
I obviously hope you will support our referendum and vote YES on the question in November but I also realize you may choose not to support the referendum. My desire is simply that you consider the facts shared previously on this blog and that will appear as we look at various options. I only want you to make an informed choice. These are your Whitko Schools help us make them what you want them to be.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Referendum
Did you every have one of those tasks you did not want to do but knew it was the right thing?
The School Board and I are faced with just that situation. We do not want to ask for a tax increase but yet we know we must for the good of all our children and the community they will grow up in.
Last year we reduced our general fund budget by more than 10%. This was due to state funding shortfalls and we all know the economy is just not doing great right now. That 10% means when school opens next fall we will have 26 fewer adults trying to do the same or even better at providing the quality education and services our students deserve.
Now the state hints they may reduce us another 5 to 10%. We simply cannot provide what our children deserve with that hanging over our heads. Of course we will continue to look for further savings but there comes a point where we simply need more funding to be able to “Keep our Schools Excellent for All”.
That is why I recommended to the Board a referendum that would provide a property tax option to make up what the state shorts us in the funding. More details will be shared in public meetings and mailing but until then I have attached a couple items that will answer some questions regarding the upcoming referendum.
Please support our kids and help us provide the education they need for their futures.
Email questions or comments to steve.clason@whitko.org
Questions and Answers About the Referendum
How we got here and what we've done. Watch for this to be updated!
The School Board and I are faced with just that situation. We do not want to ask for a tax increase but yet we know we must for the good of all our children and the community they will grow up in.
Last year we reduced our general fund budget by more than 10%. This was due to state funding shortfalls and we all know the economy is just not doing great right now. That 10% means when school opens next fall we will have 26 fewer adults trying to do the same or even better at providing the quality education and services our students deserve.
Now the state hints they may reduce us another 5 to 10%. We simply cannot provide what our children deserve with that hanging over our heads. Of course we will continue to look for further savings but there comes a point where we simply need more funding to be able to “Keep our Schools Excellent for All”.
That is why I recommended to the Board a referendum that would provide a property tax option to make up what the state shorts us in the funding. More details will be shared in public meetings and mailing but until then I have attached a couple items that will answer some questions regarding the upcoming referendum.
Please support our kids and help us provide the education they need for their futures.
Email questions or comments to steve.clason@whitko.org
Questions and Answers About the Referendum
How we got here and what we've done. Watch for this to be updated!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Board Meeting and Reductions
The May Board meeting was a particularly difficult one as we had to take the final vote that eliminated 13 certified and an equal number of non-certified positions. State reductions have created a situation where, even with those reductions, we estimate our budget has a $1,775 cushion. We can run school, but we are not able to supply the same attention to children that we all want.
The state has suggested they may be having a similar reduction next year. There is no place in our budget that we can do that and have a reasonable educational program for students. The Board is going to look at a possible referendum to create local revenue from property taxes. We know this is not popular with anyone, but we also know our children are worth it. Keep checking this blog for updates on what this means. Right now, it is an idea - nothing more. But, we are in high gear trying to figure out what it will mean for everyone.
The news just keeps being negative when we look at the state funding. Three of four months, the state has received revenue below budget estimates. They, too, are taking actions to stretch their fund, but unfortunately, those actions hurt our efforts. One example is the federal grant money that flows through the Department of Education. It used to flow to us prior to our expending it. Now all grant funds are reimbursable, which means we must pay the bill from our General Fund (that was cut) and then turn in a claim for the state to reimburse. This will, in the long run, not impact budget but increases both our management overhead and our cash flow. We may have to borrow while waiting for them to pay what they owe.
Speaking of the federal level, we learned last week that our Title 1 allocation was decreased by over $40,000. I know - it seems strange to us that as our families are having a tougher time (meaning more are in need of assistance), this program (that is supposed to be based on assistance need) is reduced. I think that tells us that from the local and state perspective, the recession impact is definitely not over.
In other action, the Board passed the pay to participate in athletics proposal. That means a high school student they would pay $80 to participate in sports, a middle school student $50, and an elementary student $30. This was the initial proposal and we will be adjusting this on the fly as revenue to athletics increases and individual sports are reviewed in more detail.
I share all this to let you know we are not out of the financial woods yet and are continuing to look at every avenue to make Whitko Schools the best place for all our children. I continue to ask anyone with ideas to share them.
The state has suggested they may be having a similar reduction next year. There is no place in our budget that we can do that and have a reasonable educational program for students. The Board is going to look at a possible referendum to create local revenue from property taxes. We know this is not popular with anyone, but we also know our children are worth it. Keep checking this blog for updates on what this means. Right now, it is an idea - nothing more. But, we are in high gear trying to figure out what it will mean for everyone.
The news just keeps being negative when we look at the state funding. Three of four months, the state has received revenue below budget estimates. They, too, are taking actions to stretch their fund, but unfortunately, those actions hurt our efforts. One example is the federal grant money that flows through the Department of Education. It used to flow to us prior to our expending it. Now all grant funds are reimbursable, which means we must pay the bill from our General Fund (that was cut) and then turn in a claim for the state to reimburse. This will, in the long run, not impact budget but increases both our management overhead and our cash flow. We may have to borrow while waiting for them to pay what they owe.
Speaking of the federal level, we learned last week that our Title 1 allocation was decreased by over $40,000. I know - it seems strange to us that as our families are having a tougher time (meaning more are in need of assistance), this program (that is supposed to be based on assistance need) is reduced. I think that tells us that from the local and state perspective, the recession impact is definitely not over.
In other action, the Board passed the pay to participate in athletics proposal. That means a high school student they would pay $80 to participate in sports, a middle school student $50, and an elementary student $30. This was the initial proposal and we will be adjusting this on the fly as revenue to athletics increases and individual sports are reviewed in more detail.
I share all this to let you know we are not out of the financial woods yet and are continuing to look at every avenue to make Whitko Schools the best place for all our children. I continue to ask anyone with ideas to share them.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Plan A with some details
Here is the plan that was shared with the Board Monday night.
Plan A is prior to serious discussions with various employee groups. We needed to tell people that we were talking about their jobs prior to discussing them publically. Feel free so send me questions or ideas.
http://www.whitko.org/staff/steve.clason/plan%20a.pdf
Plan A is prior to serious discussions with various employee groups. We needed to tell people that we were talking about their jobs prior to discussing them publically. Feel free so send me questions or ideas.
http://www.whitko.org/staff/steve.clason/plan%20a.pdf
Monday, March 1, 2010
Budget Reductions
Last week was not pleasant and this week is also difficult for the Whitko family as we wrestle with the changes forced by reductions in State support. I know many questions have and will come up as we think of the impact this will have. Please email me any questions you have. steve.clason@whitko.org
Right now we want those affected to have the grace to deal with the impact on their lives. Then we can plan further.
Two plans exist regarding reductions. It needs to be reiterated these are plans just that. Many things can change in the next week and certainly by August. Neither of these plans are set in stone and both are based on we can do this with the knowledge we have today. Things like retirements, voluntary leaves, salary changes, and income changes all impact the depth of these cuts and are unknown at this time.
Some details of Plans A and B will be on this Blog most likely Wednesday. There are still a few people impacted that have not been notified. Once everyone is notified we will share the details so everyone knows the affects of these reductions and how we are working to overcome some of those affects.
Thanks to all that have been praying for us as we adjust to the reductions in state support.
Right now we want those affected to have the grace to deal with the impact on their lives. Then we can plan further.
Two plans exist regarding reductions. It needs to be reiterated these are plans just that. Many things can change in the next week and certainly by August. Neither of these plans are set in stone and both are based on we can do this with the knowledge we have today. Things like retirements, voluntary leaves, salary changes, and income changes all impact the depth of these cuts and are unknown at this time.
Some details of Plans A and B will be on this Blog most likely Wednesday. There are still a few people impacted that have not been notified. Once everyone is notified we will share the details so everyone knows the affects of these reductions and how we are working to overcome some of those affects.
Thanks to all that have been praying for us as we adjust to the reductions in state support.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Budget Consideration Presentation
The presentation that was shared with Staff Monday January 25th and Tuesday January 26th can be found at Staff Presentation .
Monday, January 18, 2010
Budget Update
When you read the items below you will note the cuts from expenditures in general fund are more significant than initially thought. I would be less than honest if I did not tell you these cuts will impact how Whitko educates students. I want you to continue to offer your suggestions as "Everything is on the table from if and how we do preschool to how AP Calculus is offered and everything in between." We will look at how schools are configured for example is K-2 and 3-5 more efficient at the elementary? Should grade 5 attend the WMS building. What about the middle school concept or junior high? How about middle and high school daily schedules? How about semester or trimester? What about administrative and support costs? It is all on the table! So send your ideas to me. Share your ideas with your principal or director.
I also want you to know " Nothing has been decided and when it is the affected person or persons will hear it from me." If you hear it from some other source it is just a rumor and like all cases some rumors may be true others may be false. When we have some better ideas as to the reductions being proposed I will let you know.
WCTA is working along side us to help in this very difficult process so feel free to share your ideas with your representatives if that fits your position.
Here is the current budget scoop we need to trim between $450,000 and $830,000 for 2010 and another $290,000 for 2011 as the stimulus money will not be available also the $504,000 cut in 2010 will not be made up in 2011. This is much more that was supposed in the earlier blog. So over two year we are talking $1.25 million Like I said, we together will figure this out and stand tall as Whitko always does.
I also want you to know " Nothing has been decided and when it is the affected person or persons will hear it from me." If you hear it from some other source it is just a rumor and like all cases some rumors may be true others may be false. When we have some better ideas as to the reductions being proposed I will let you know.
WCTA is working along side us to help in this very difficult process so feel free to share your ideas with your representatives if that fits your position.
Here is the current budget scoop we need to trim between $450,000 and $830,000 for 2010 and another $290,000 for 2011 as the stimulus money will not be available also the $504,000 cut in 2010 will not be made up in 2011. This is much more that was supposed in the earlier blog. So over two year we are talking $1.25 million Like I said, we together will figure this out and stand tall as Whitko always does.
Monday, January 4, 2010
State Suggested Savings
Below are the State Board of Education Cost Saving Considerations given in testimony December 2009 and the Citizens Checklist form the Governor to the State Board and some initial comments related to each item. Obviously nothing is off the table completely but the issue is cutting General Fund Expenditures or increasing General Fund revenue by between $465,000 for 2010 and then another $300,000 for 2011.
Budgetary/Administrative Considerations
· Eliminate insurance payments for all school board personnel –not applicable our Board does not have this benefit
· Increase insurance deductibles – This is a negotiated Item
· Investigate moving to state employee health benefit plan or another shared plan –The State Plan would cause an increased cost not a savings
· Guarantee ALL school employees contribute equally and equitably to insurance plans – This is already true
· Freeze all expenditures at current levels – Some items are beyond our control. We already based the 2010 budget on 2008 expenditures
· Roll back budgets to prior year where appropriate-Essentially done
· Reduce all non instructional budgets – Could save portions of the categories below
o Substitutes from non-federal, non-grant funds -
o Cut non-essential travel -
o Library Materials –
o Dues and Fees –
o Summer Grounds and Painting Help –
· Consider participation fees or eliminating extracurricular activities. pay for play will be reviewed
· Creation of nonprofit foundation or endowments to support school district – Have tried to create one with no real traction
· Suspend all capital outlays until budget plan is determined This state reduction is not a Capital Projects issue it only effects General Fund and we can’t move fund between what the state calls silos so this would not help at all.
· Eliminate pay for membership into professional organizations or associations –Small amounts of funding go to this. Right now the associations are the only ones communicating with us on the cuts. We get news from them that the State has never told us about. Not all of us read the Indianapolis Star.
· Shared legal and other professional services – No impact we already do this
· Utilization of technology to deliver instructional materials – Save instructional cost and copying
· Require electronic funds transfer for all payroll and payments – minimal savings
· Limit or eliminate subscriptions and publications – see above
· Eliminate cell phone, Blackberry and pager costs – Some savings but a negotiated item
· Utilize community resources to create efficiencies and supplement programs – Unsure what resources could be used but investigating.
· Explore volunteerism within the local community – great idea
· Examine all vendor contracts in excess of $1,000 – Current practice
· Renegotiate purchasing agreements – Current practice
o o Buy bulk
o o Buy online
o o Cooperative purchasing agreements
o o Pursue inter-local agreements
o o Purchase from state QPA's
Personnel/Staffing Considerations – We will review all options but initial thoughts are below
· Suspend Hiring – This is essentially in place already we all prefer attrition
· Initiate rigorous contract negotiations within the confines of local fiscal health – No doubt this will be explored
· Freeze salaries at current levels – Done
· Suspend salary increment for biennium – Negotiated Item
· Roll back salaries to previous year levels - Negotiated Item
· Eliminate any overtime pay – not applicable
· Examine retire to rehire opportunities – not currently (legal) or acceptable in the rules from TRF and PERF if the rules change?
· Examine early retirement incentive -This presumes we have funding to create the incentive and if we had that we would not have a problem
· Furlough non instructional employees - not reasonable as who does their work?
· Reduce central office staff - we already did that last year and cut other staff salary expenses the year prior
· Reduce all administrative and clerical staff - again who does their work?
· Reduce or eliminate paid lay staff - this would impact extra-curricular positions
· Examine need for all ancillary staff – classroom assistants, resource assistants again who does their work?
Operating/Capital Project Considerations
· Close underutilized buildings - NA
· Reduce or mothball square footage in existing buildings - done
· Track and monitor monthly utilities and other fixed costs - done
· Consider budget plans or prepaid plans - done
· Examine the outsourcing of transportation, cafeteria and janitorial services – again this change impacts different funds with the exception of janitorial but who then cleans the buildings?
· Reduce or eliminate school vehicle inventories (helps with initial purchase only and then we would pay to have snow removed and other maintenance items addressed)
· Monitor school facility usage for the potential of establishing hours of operation - Done
· Sell or lease surplus property or facilities - NA
· Freeze all building projects that are not general fund budget neutral - NA
· Freeze all nonessential building upgrades - Again this is a different fund and does not impact these current needed reductions
Policy Considerations
· Shared services inside and outside school districts – already doing this
· Evaluate benefits of school consolidation – we already are sharing services, would consolidation save operating costs?
· Operating referendum - This could be considered
· Written policies to support anonymous reporting and investigation of claims of fraud, waste and abuse – In place in Whistle-Blower policies
· Investigate programs designed to retain and recruit students - Recruit away from ?
· Examine corporations grade level delivery system - Some investigation of a K-2 and 3-5 arrangement has been brought up. Other options do not seem remotely feasible
· Increase student/teacher ratio; larger classes; team teaching – Has been happening slowly
· Examine partnerships with local government - We do partner with the city on things like salt and sand.
Legislative Considerations (These are out of our hands)
· All for transportation and capital funds to be used for 2010 General Fund shortfall
· Allow a levy access transfer
· Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) for schools
· Delay circuit breaker
· Require a state hiring salary freeze for all state-funded employees
· Change referendum language
Indiana State Board of Education Citizens’ Checklist
The Governor asked Citizens to use this checklist to determine if your school corporation has taken these actions to increase savings and efficiency. (These are covered above)
· Refrain from all salary and benefits increases for all school employees
· Reduce insurance costs by changing plans, including joining the state health plan
· Reduce school administration and school board compensation packages
· Suspend 403(b), 401(a) and 457(b) matches for all employees
· Institute a corporation hiring freeze
· Eliminate memberships in professional associations and reduce travel expenses
· Effectively outsourced transportation and custodial services and direct savings to the Rainy Day Fund
· Sold, leased, or closed underutilized buildings
· Reduced or rolled back operational and programmatic budgets to previous year levels
· Reviewed school consolidation options within the corporation and between corporations.
Budgetary/Administrative Considerations
· Eliminate insurance payments for all school board personnel –not applicable our Board does not have this benefit
· Increase insurance deductibles – This is a negotiated Item
· Investigate moving to state employee health benefit plan or another shared plan –The State Plan would cause an increased cost not a savings
· Guarantee ALL school employees contribute equally and equitably to insurance plans – This is already true
· Freeze all expenditures at current levels – Some items are beyond our control. We already based the 2010 budget on 2008 expenditures
· Roll back budgets to prior year where appropriate-Essentially done
· Reduce all non instructional budgets – Could save portions of the categories below
o Substitutes from non-federal, non-grant funds -
o Cut non-essential travel -
o Library Materials –
o Dues and Fees –
o Summer Grounds and Painting Help –
· Consider participation fees or eliminating extracurricular activities. pay for play will be reviewed
· Creation of nonprofit foundation or endowments to support school district – Have tried to create one with no real traction
· Suspend all capital outlays until budget plan is determined This state reduction is not a Capital Projects issue it only effects General Fund and we can’t move fund between what the state calls silos so this would not help at all.
· Eliminate pay for membership into professional organizations or associations –Small amounts of funding go to this. Right now the associations are the only ones communicating with us on the cuts. We get news from them that the State has never told us about. Not all of us read the Indianapolis Star.
· Shared legal and other professional services – No impact we already do this
· Utilization of technology to deliver instructional materials – Save instructional cost and copying
· Require electronic funds transfer for all payroll and payments – minimal savings
· Limit or eliminate subscriptions and publications – see above
· Eliminate cell phone, Blackberry and pager costs – Some savings but a negotiated item
· Utilize community resources to create efficiencies and supplement programs – Unsure what resources could be used but investigating.
· Explore volunteerism within the local community – great idea
· Examine all vendor contracts in excess of $1,000 – Current practice
· Renegotiate purchasing agreements – Current practice
o o Buy bulk
o o Buy online
o o Cooperative purchasing agreements
o o Pursue inter-local agreements
o o Purchase from state QPA's
Personnel/Staffing Considerations – We will review all options but initial thoughts are below
· Suspend Hiring – This is essentially in place already we all prefer attrition
· Initiate rigorous contract negotiations within the confines of local fiscal health – No doubt this will be explored
· Freeze salaries at current levels – Done
· Suspend salary increment for biennium – Negotiated Item
· Roll back salaries to previous year levels - Negotiated Item
· Eliminate any overtime pay – not applicable
· Examine retire to rehire opportunities – not currently (legal) or acceptable in the rules from TRF and PERF if the rules change?
· Examine early retirement incentive -This presumes we have funding to create the incentive and if we had that we would not have a problem
· Furlough non instructional employees - not reasonable as who does their work?
· Reduce central office staff - we already did that last year and cut other staff salary expenses the year prior
· Reduce all administrative and clerical staff - again who does their work?
· Reduce or eliminate paid lay staff - this would impact extra-curricular positions
· Examine need for all ancillary staff – classroom assistants, resource assistants again who does their work?
Operating/Capital Project Considerations
· Close underutilized buildings - NA
· Reduce or mothball square footage in existing buildings - done
· Track and monitor monthly utilities and other fixed costs - done
· Consider budget plans or prepaid plans - done
· Examine the outsourcing of transportation, cafeteria and janitorial services – again this change impacts different funds with the exception of janitorial but who then cleans the buildings?
· Reduce or eliminate school vehicle inventories (helps with initial purchase only and then we would pay to have snow removed and other maintenance items addressed)
· Monitor school facility usage for the potential of establishing hours of operation - Done
· Sell or lease surplus property or facilities - NA
· Freeze all building projects that are not general fund budget neutral - NA
· Freeze all nonessential building upgrades - Again this is a different fund and does not impact these current needed reductions
Policy Considerations
· Shared services inside and outside school districts – already doing this
· Evaluate benefits of school consolidation – we already are sharing services, would consolidation save operating costs?
· Operating referendum - This could be considered
· Written policies to support anonymous reporting and investigation of claims of fraud, waste and abuse – In place in Whistle-Blower policies
· Investigate programs designed to retain and recruit students - Recruit away from ?
· Examine corporations grade level delivery system - Some investigation of a K-2 and 3-5 arrangement has been brought up. Other options do not seem remotely feasible
· Increase student/teacher ratio; larger classes; team teaching – Has been happening slowly
· Examine partnerships with local government - We do partner with the city on things like salt and sand.
Legislative Considerations (These are out of our hands)
· All for transportation and capital funds to be used for 2010 General Fund shortfall
· Allow a levy access transfer
· Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) for schools
· Delay circuit breaker
· Require a state hiring salary freeze for all state-funded employees
· Change referendum language
Indiana State Board of Education Citizens’ Checklist
The Governor asked Citizens to use this checklist to determine if your school corporation has taken these actions to increase savings and efficiency. (These are covered above)
· Refrain from all salary and benefits increases for all school employees
· Reduce insurance costs by changing plans, including joining the state health plan
· Reduce school administration and school board compensation packages
· Suspend 403(b), 401(a) and 457(b) matches for all employees
· Institute a corporation hiring freeze
· Eliminate memberships in professional associations and reduce travel expenses
· Effectively outsourced transportation and custodial services and direct savings to the Rainy Day Fund
· Sold, leased, or closed underutilized buildings
· Reduced or rolled back operational and programmatic budgets to previous year levels
· Reviewed school consolidation options within the corporation and between corporations.
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