Superintendent Martin Details School District Budget Cuts to Community PDF Print E-mail
Written by Janet Murphy   
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:00
At the January Chilton School District regular board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Claire Martin presented proposed fee increases and budget cuts amounting to just over $300,000 to a gathering of more than 100 community and School Board members, and District staff. 

Martin told those present that this latest reduction in operating expenses, added to sustained budget reductions totaling $837,825 made during the past four school years, amounts to more than $1.1 million dollars, or ten percent, removed from the operating budget of $11 million. 

Martin’s proposed budget included more than $65,000 of increased revenue, largely made up of new fees and fee increases, including a $45/sport participation fee for high school students (and $35/sport for middle school students) expected to raise $25,485.  Additional fee increases include a $5 increase in general school fees and a parking fee increase from $10 to $50, expected to net $8,500.

Other proposed fees include a staff Personal Appliance fee and a $10 fee for entry to Solo & Ensemble competition, which are expected to raise $3,200.  A Fund 80 transfer of $15,500 to pay for community use of school property, plus a property insurance dividend payment of $12,700, round out the increases in revenue.  
Martin also listed nearly $236,000 in proposed budget cuts and reductions, including:  elimination of the Chilton Public Library bus-stop, and one other bus route, each costing $31,000; elimination of the freshman boys’ football and basketball, and freshman girls’ volleyball teams, which total $17,500; and elimination of one Special Education Teacher and 2 Special Ed. aides, which total $70,816. 

Reductions to the budget include:  $9,300 normally budgeted for athletic support through the first level of WIAA competition, which is typically not used; a 5% reduction to staff development costs, equipment requests and supplies, for a total savings of $43,300; a $5,000 reduction in Special Education transportation costs; and a 50% reduction to an English teaching position, that amounts to $28,000.  

Most of the questions fielded after the presentation concerned the new athletic fees and the elimination of freshman sports.  People were concerned that the fees would discourage students from going out for sports.  Some also voiced their concern that having freshmen football players play up a grade might increase the risk of injury.

Martin said that the athletic fee was arrived at after polling other school districts to see what they charge, noting that most of the districts in the Olympian Conference do charge some sort of participation fee.  Martin said that at this time, her $45/sport recommendation would not be capped, as it is in some other districts.           

Chilton Booster Club President Scott Bruckner asked whether the participation fee would increase if the number of athletes dropped and the expected $25,485 in revenue wasn’t met.  Martin didn’t think that the fee would increase, but they would have to find other budget reductions.  Bruckner also wondered whether freshman athletes would be willing to pay $45 if they wouldn’t have as much of a chance to play.  

Regarding the realignment of administrative staff, Martin said that one administrator was eliminated last year, and this year, the administrative staff, as well as the maintenance/ housekeeping staff, have taken a wage freeze.  Martin said she has advised the Board not to further reduce the number of administrators because of the needs of children who now come to school with multiple issues that require the counseling staff and principal staff.  

A gentleman who didn’t have children in school anymore, but wanted to support those that do attend, wondered what it would cost in taxes per family unit.  Business Manager Lisa Lau said she couldn’t answer that because they had not discussed going to referendum.  Martin said, “I can’t imagine that a $300,000 increase across the taxpayer base would be that dramatic on our tax bills.  However, the School District is very sensitive to the fact that there are many families that have lost jobs and that are struggling, and we’ve never even considered at this point going to referendum.”

When questioned about the total salaries and benefits packages, Martin said that the teachers’ association recently negotiated a 3.6% increase in salaries and benefits for this year, even though the 3.8% cap on the QEO (Qualified Economic Offer) was lifted last July.    

Board President Paul Meier invited input from the community regarding fee increases and/or budget cuts that they felt strongly against, but also wanted people to let the Board and Administration know which recommendations they agree with.  

Martin’s presentation will be on the school’s web site at www.chilton.k12.wi.us.  A recording of this meeting will also be broadcast on public access channel 98, and DVDs will be available at the District office.  Martin also recommended that the Finance Committee meeting set for February 8th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room become a listening session.    

Upon the recommendation of Athletic Director Dave Sonnabend, the Board approved forming co-ops with Brillion Public Schools for both the boys’ and girls’ swim teams for the next 2 school years.    

The Board also approved hiring Miki Wise to direct the spring production.
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