Moscow School District budget cuts

["John and Laurie Danahy" <JDANAHY@turbonet.com>]

The MSD has been experiencing a declining enrollment (200 students) over the
last couple of years.  This has produced an expected budget shortfall for
the 99/00 school year of @$500,000.  This shortfall, coupled with some new
programs and $150,000 needed for employee's salaries (steps and columns),
means we need to cut $700,000 from ongoing spending for next year.

The district's Administrative Council has provided the Board with a initial
proposal to make cuts totaling $700,000.  This is done by eliminating some
small programs, (strings, DARE) reducing the amount spent on books and
asbestos by 1/2, reducing extracurricular activities by $60,000 (@10%, no
cuts in programs), cutting 1 classified, .7 administrative, 9.3 teaching
positions, and some other small funding cuts.

This is a first proposal, and the Board is seeking patron input.  We are
looking for positive solutions to the current problem.  Predictions for
future enrollment show a continuing decline in students (another 200
students by 2003).  Some alternative suggestions already made have included
an increase in the override levy. Please e-mail me with any questions,
concerns, or suggestions.

Thank you.

John

John and Laurie Danahy
jdanahy@turbonet.com