School district questioned on reserves, reductions

Concerns from citizens attending the final Stanwood-Camano School District community budget meeting last Monday centered on how the district goes about using and allocating funds, as well as how the district makes decisions for reductions. Here is a sampling of the questions with a summary of the responses.

What is the reserve fund and what can it be used for?

The reserve fund is money the district has saved over the years, said Gary Platt, executive director of business services.

Currently, the fund balance is $4.8 million. The money can be used for general fund expenses from payroll to supplies and materials.

“It’s basically our savings account,” said Platt.

The district relies on the fund balance to cover fluctuating monthly expenditures throughout the year because revenues are not collected at a predictable rate.

According to Platt, the district is projecting about $4.5 million in the fund balance at the end of the school year. Of that, a minimum of $620,000 will be used to offset reductions in next year’s budget.

Within an average month, the district spends approximately $4 million. The bulk of expenditures go to payroll, around $3.2 million.

How have the teachers reacted to possibly forgoing their raises next year?

Linda Littlefield, executive director of human resources said she couldn’t respond specifically to the question on behalf of the Stanwood-Camano Education Association (SCEA). However, she asked the union how they would like her to respond because the question has been asked on multiple occasions.

“In general, SCEA bargained a contract in good faith and they feel it is the district’s responsibility to fulfill its obligation to that contract,” said Littlefield.

Why weren’t classified and certificated staff included on the budget task force?

The district opted to work through the unions for participation on the budget task force, said Littlefield. One classified and one certificated staff member were a part of the employee subgroup. After the third task force meeting, SCEA decided to pull their certificated representative from the group.

“They are concerned about perceptions of making decisions about peoples’ jobs,” said Littlefield.

How does the district justify cutting classified staff hours after their union agreed not to renegotiate their contract?

By freezing their contract, the classified employees are saving the district approximately $125,000. Nearly 6.6 percent needed to be reduced from the classified ranks — operations, basic education and special education — to make the target reductions. According to Littlefield, 80 percent of the district’s budget centers on payroll.

“It appears the classified employees are receiving lots of hits,” she said. “They have a lot of employees. I don’t know that I can justify it. But we have $3.2 million to cut and that will primarily need to take place from two major employee groups.”

How are reductions to specialists decided?

Staffing allocations and contractual agreements regarding class size are con- sidered by the principal in each building.

The driver is the number of sections needed for core content areas at each grade level, said Mike Olson, assistant superintendent and principal of Port Susan Middle School.

Once the requirements for core subjects are fulfilled, the principal considers what is left in the budget for electives.

Principals have to consider what elective to fund to create a well-rounded program, said Olson.

Other school board news:

• Elger Bay Elementary received $600 from the Target Field Trips Grant Program.

Port Susan Middle School received $2,000 from the Intermec Foundation K-12 Education Support Program.

Stanwood Middle School received six boxes of art books, an estimated value of $400, from Lyndon Swanson.•

Stanwood High School (SHS) agriculture teacher Ryan Ovenell was recognized for being selected “Teacher of the Year” for 2009 by the Snohomish Conservation District. Ovenell was chosen for his instruction on improving water quality and natural resources on farms and rural acreages. He thanked his students for their hard work and commitment and said, “I am fortunate to be able to work with such dedicated students.”

• Kathy Redfern, SHS physics teacher, was recognized for receiving the 2010 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) “Inspirational Teacher Award.” Christianne Swartz, a student at MIT, nominated Redfern for making physics engaging and fun.

Redfern said Swartz was a “joy to have in class” and described her former student as having a high level of enthusiasm.

• Shining Star Awards were presented to Lucy Getter of Lincoln Hill High School and Seth Brisendine of Lincoln Academy.

Brisendine was honored for his academic success and personal integrity.

Getter, who works two jobs in addition to attending classes, was recognized for her perseverance and determination in reaching academic goals.

• The Cedarhome Elementary custodial team of Kelly and Mary Nicholas received the February classified employees of the month award. Principal Jeff Lofgren said his staff and students appreciate the care in which Kelly and Mary perform their services.

Classified employees of the month awards for March were given to the Utsalady Elementary Learning Assistance Program representatives Sonia Kline, Heidi Harter and Ann Peterson.

• Tessa Karlberg, second grade teacher at Stanwood Elementary was recognized as teacher of the month for February. She was nominated by a group of students for making learning fun.

Utsalady Elementary fourth-grade teacher Diana Mailloux received the teacher of the month award for March. She was described as a “quiet hero” who provides thought-provoking insights for students and fellow staff members.

To hear a complete podcast of the community meeting from March 15, visit www.stanwood.wednet.edu.