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Review process identifies 19 programs for possible cuts
March 1, 2002
Springfield Public Schools faces some difficult choices as it prepares for the 2002-2003 budget and beyond. To fulfill the district's mission, each decision made will be directed at achieving the goals of increasing student achievement and reducing the dropout rate.
"Actions we take in the next few months will be critical to the future of this district," said Superintendent Jack Ernst. "This will be a challenging time, but I'm hopeful we can achieve a positive outcome for students, staff and patrons of Springfield Public Schools."
Administrative staff has met with the Leadership Team and principals, teachers and program representatives. From these meetings, 19 programs or services were identified for possible reductions.
Beginning March 4 meetings for all district employees will be held to obtain staff input on the district budget review process. At that time discussion will focus on the programs and services listed below:
· Increase activity fees
· Shorten school year for students
· Close/consolidate small elementary schools
· Reduce operating reserve from 10 percent to 6.6 percent or 5 percent
· DARE Program
· Reduce staff development expenses
· Eliminate SPS Foundation support
· Assessment practices
· Reduce/eliminate custodial release time to attend meetings/conventions, etc.
· Eliminate 5th grade Instrumental Music
· Seven period day
· Decrease Gifted Services
· Middle school athletics
· Stanford 9
· Transportation--increase eligibility from 1 mile to 1.5 miles for elementary/middle school students
· Eliminate SPS support to MSTA & SNEA
· Eliminate/reduce ISA & CPT aides
· Parents as Teachers
· Reduce number of Instructional Specialist for School Improvement