As Coupeville School District administrators work through budget cuts expected to reach $1.6 million, in an effort to repair a “dangerously low fund balance,” the driving goal is clear.
“We want to protect the classroom, minimize the impact on our students, and align decisions with our strategic plan,” said Superintendent Steve King.
They also want to make sure that no single part of the school ecosystem is taking a substantially larger hit than others, and that cuts, while painful, affect all departments.
In April, the Coupeville School Board approved a “modified education plan” which included eliminating the secondary band/music program and an elementary specialist program “to be determined” (likely STEM or music/art).
It also cut six certificated staff, “through a combination of attrition and Reduction in Force,” with most, if not all, of the cuts expected to be by retirement or resignation.
Thursday afternoon, in advance of a school board workshop, King released a statement detailing further cuts.
They are:
District level positions:
School district accountant is leaving her position next week, and the district will not replace the position.
Other reductions may take place through attrition
Building and grounds support:
Reduce Custodian workdays
Reduce Maintenance/Grounds workdays
Food service costs:
Reduce Food Service workdays
Decrease contracted workdays for the Food Service Director position
Food Service operating cost reductions
School support:
Reduce substitute expenses for classified staff members
Reduce building budgets by 10%
Reduce Paraeducator support
Transportation:
Reduce one bus route
Athletic programs:
10% reduction to the district costs for athletics. Coaches, who have not received a raise since 2019 and have lower salaries than others in the region, decided to take a significant pay cut in order to retain programs for student-athletes.
Technology:
Reduced online curriculum subscriptions
Reduced staff support position
Other:
Copy machines and printer leases reduced
In addition to cuts, the district is also working on ways to increase revenues.
“We continue to find new ways to adapt and evolve,” King said. “This includes pursuing new and existing grants and by beginning new programs that increase revenues.”
To that, the school board approval an Alternative Learning Experience pilot program and is currently considering approving a Transitional Kindergarten program.
“These will increase revenues, and, more importantly, these programs will address the current needs of our student population,” King said.
“As a united community, we can work together to advocate for adequate and predictable state funding,” he added.
“Together, we can work to serve our students and make sure Coupeville continues to be a great place to learn and work.”
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