As the Lake Orion School Board debates how to balance next year’s budget, President Leeann Bartley has also asked for committees to be formed to consider a number of ‘large ticket items? for the future.
At the last March school board meeting, she presented fellow board members with a memo outlining eight areas of concern. She asked that committees study the items in order to make recommendations in preparation for the 2007-2008 budget year.
First on the list was the ‘middle school concept,? that is team-teaching in Lake Orion’s three middle schools. The cost is $720,000, and Bartley wondered what the impact of changing the program would be, and also how the changes could be made.
She said if there is anyway to save the program, it needs to be jusified, and told why the program is worth the money.
Second on the list was high school block scheduling at a cost of $600,000, and third was special education.
‘I am very concerned about the escalating costs of special education,? Bartley said. ‘For 2006-2007, there is a $400,000 increase to just maintain current programing.?
She said after a couple of cuts, currently proposed, the schools would still be adding $233,400 from the general fund to support special education for next year.
‘Next year, it looks like we are going to have to go deeper into the special education budget,? said Bartley.
The board already heard from one parent who was concerned about how special education cuts might affect her son at Paint Creek Elementary, and other students like him.
She encouraged the board to consider the value of the program and also what it meant to the students.
‘I think we need an extensive study of what is state mandated and what isn’t, caseloads, more sharing of specialists, job descriptions and where we may have some overlap,? Bartley said.
Stadium Elementary, a school of choice with a performing arts focus, was also on the list. Bartley said it was getting ‘harder and harder? to justify the $97,000 from the general fund for dance and drama teachers there.
‘We may need to find grant money,? she said. ‘I know it’s a touchy subject…but we want equity in every building, and to give one elementary $100,000 more than the other ones is not equitable.?
Finally, the board will look at the sinking fund/bond issue, regarding if it was a feasible option; the sale of the old transportation building; building usage, concerning revisiting old policies as less money was available for custodians and repairs; and revenue enhancements and services coordination.
Bartley said she saw the first four items on the list as ‘essential.?
‘These committees need to start soon,? she said, adding that reports should be returned to the board by Oct. 1.