District staff cuts saved by leaves, retirements

On paper, the Stanwood- Camano School District has too many teachers for next school year.

Approximately 18.3 fulltime equivalent (FTE) certificated teacher positions in basic education need to be eliminated.

“It’s not final,” said Linda Littlefield, the district’s executive director of human resources, during a budget update for school board directors. “We think it’s close.”

The number of potential cuts, however, could be as low as 6.8 FTE positions.

According to Littlefield, unexpected increases in leaves, resignations and retirements at the end of the current school year will save jobs.

The district’s decision not to fill the majority of those vacancies will save current positions, at least for now.

“We’re taking a chance,” said Littlefield, “but we’re keeping peoples’ jobs for one more year.”

By saving positions for next school year, possible cuts in subsequent years could be “substantial” in comparison, Littlefield said.

Who will be let go, and from which school, will be decided by administrators and principals in a combined effort.

The situation is complicated by figuring out how to move staff around to fill gaps left by vacant spots, said Littlefield.

The process could result in a few more shared classes at the elementary level, she said. Administration is analyzing how that would pan out with regard to negotiated class-size requirements.

The state dropped the staff to student ratio at fourth grade to 47.43 teachers per 1,000 students to save money, an approximate reduction of five teachers per 1,000 students from the current ratio.

On the bright side, the staffing ratio for kindergarten through third grade will remain at existing levels, lessening the impact of scaled-back state funding.

The district is working to trim nearly $2.5 million from its education program for the 2010-11 school year, approximately $700,000 less than initial estimates.

In other school board news:

• Shining Star Awards were presented to Rachel Dillon, a fifth grade student at Utsalady Elementary, Taven Deberry, an eighth grade student of Saratoga School, and Kenny Smith, an eighth grade student at Port Susan Middle School.

Dillon was praised by staff as an “excellent” student devoted to her studies.

Debury was recognized for his perseverance and “pure delight for learning.”

Smith was described as “upbeat” with a “positive energy” in his approach to education.

• DeAnn Larson, reading specialist at Elger Bay Elementary was honored as teacher of the month.

Student Bradie Ferguson co-nominated Larson for her dedication to the students.

“She does more than just helping us,” said Ferguson. “She encourages us to do our best.”

• Ruth Turner and Annie Houk, Stanwood Elementary office staff, received classified employees of the month distinction.

The two were nominated by the entire staff for being “the glue that holds everything together” and using “laughter, encouragement and even tears” to help students each and every day.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews. com.