Re: Moscow School District budget cuts

["Leo E. Ames" <leoames@moscow.com>]

Thank you, John and Laurie, for the information and request for input. At
this point I can only "voice" a concern and encouragement for the override
levy. My "concern" is a "hope" that the strings will not be cut. To me (as
a retiree with some 40 years of residency in Moscow, where I children were
raised and educated) STRINGS are important to civilization and
culture...they are an indicator "species" of a civilization's health.
	Unfortunately, I do not have enough knowledge nor imagination to
suggest solid alternatives for school finance, I hope others can do better.

	Thanks,
	Leo Ames
	Moscow



>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


<http://users.moscow.com/leoames>