Budget considerations and cost containment grabbed the attention of Oskaloosa school board members Monday night at their monthly secondary session. While no action was taken discussion of ways to cut costs brought almost as many questions as considerations.
It should be noted that the considerations stated were just that – considerations. They may or may not be implemented. Those decisions will come later when the board begins to determine a course of action.
At the center of the controversy is the inaction in Des Moines by state legislators. To Oskaloosa’s credit an increase in enrollment has bolstered the standing, but the lack of supplemental funding is causing angst among district school boards across the state.
Superintendent Russ Reiter began the discussion with a pair of likely scenarios. The most likely, zero percent funding, would bring $$238,753 to the district. Should Senate Democrats, who have proposed 4 percent and countered with 2.65 percent, would come down to the 1.25 offered by the governor and House Republicans, Oskaloosa could see $435,573.
Reiter said just to stay and the current level of salaries and benefits would require 2.26 percent. Board president Carl Drost reminded the board and those in the audience that the district has not settled on a contract with certified staff, which could change the numbers again.
Some of the considerations come from staff that are leaving or retiring from the district or the funding for those positions has changed. “We have about 32 different funding categories that we can draw money from,” said Reiter. “A big help is out TLC grant we received that is helping pay for those teachers in leadership roles.”
Reiter and Drost mentioned the possibility of issuing pink slips by the April 30 deadline, then hiring back if necessary. Reiter assured board members that there is no intention of issuing an all-staff pink slip as was done by Southeast Warren, but that he had identified four or five positions that could be pink-slipped until it was determined how much was actually needed following negotiations and supplemental funding.
Some of the considerations include:
1. Maintaining foreign language with two staff members and the utilization of Iowa Online. The new TAG teacher would manage this online program.
2. With the incoming numbers reduce Kinderprep to one section and reduce one section of kindergarten.
3. Possibly combine a part-time elementary secretary with part-time middle school student services secretary.
4. Possibly use one of the high school secretaries in the morning with part-time duties in the athletics office.
5. Look at the reduction of the number of software licenses paid by the district. Reduction of service contracts on equipment.
6. Consider the use of coaches based on numbers of participants and safety concerns. Possible cutting of swimming and bowling teams as the Little Hawkeye Conference does not sponsor these sports. These have been the last two sports added to the school activities.
Reiter reiterated to the board members that these are just some considerations. Once actual numbers are known then options will be considered.
Story By RD Keep
