ELDRED — The Otto-Eldred school board’s main focus of discussion on Tuesday evening was the impending deficit of nearly one million in their budget.
Superintendent Matthew Splain lead the discussions on possible cuts to help with the budget deficit. Splain explained that he and business manager, Jodi Flexman worked the deficit number down to $660,000 through reductions in a variety of areas. Together they reviewed revenue estimates and agreed on a few increases, which included projections for state subsidies. With the updated revenue totals, the deficit would be just under $500,000.
A variety of reductions were discussed including tutoring programs, summer school programs, online course offerings, extra-curricular positions/contests as well as use of the preschool building and activity bus. From that list, about $18,000 more in cuts were made. Splain went on to explain that due to declining enrollment, two fewer elementary teachers would be needed for the 2019-20 school year. Splain noted that the largest source of expenses for school districts is personnel, and with any changes that were considered, the impact on the students has been the guiding focus. Additional reductions were considered in the area of music. A plan was shared that would staff the music department with two full-time staff instead of 2.5. The programs in each building would still be maintained, with only courses requested being offered. Splain also provided an option to reduce secretarial staff by one position. This would require a shift in workload in the district and high school offices.
Outsourcing technology services was also discussed, with proposals from vendors in development. OESD Technology staff made a presentation as to the value and cost benefit they provide the district. The board will have proposals from other vendors to consider in May. Reduction in custodial staff was also considered by not acted upon due to concerns over the impact of areas of the building not being cleaned daily.
During discussions, the size of the administrative team was brought up by a few board members. A concern of being “top heavy” was shared. Splain shared that any reduction in administration would have a significant impact on the quality of program Otto-Eldred is able to provide. With the significant impact of state and federal mandates, efforts to provide new and improved instructional opportunities would not be possible with one less administrator.
It was noted that Otto-Eldred’s administrative size is comparable other area districts. Before Otto-Eldred began overseeing special education services, the district paid for administrative services through IU9. Because of the change made, the number of administrators did not really increase, it was a matter of who employed the administrator.
After the discussions were held, the board moved to reduce the elementary staff by one, as an elementary position held by a long-term substitute will not be replaced. A half-time position will be cut from the music department and one secretarial position was cut. With those cuts, the current budget deficit was reduced to just under $400,000. Splain noted that there are a few revenue sources that are still in development, with some potential increase still unknown.
Transportation contracts were discussed, but no movement on approval was made at this time. Further discussions will take place.
In new business, the board voted to back the resolution in support of HB 526 and SB 34. These bills would appropriately update funding mechanisms for cyber charter schools. Over the last two years, Otto-Eldred has paid a total of more than $325,000 in tuition to cyber charter schools. Success for Otto-Eldred students in these programs has been very limited, with no accountability or oversight provided by any agency in the state.
The board previously approved the appointment of Jodi Flexman as secretary in the spring of 2018. Per policy and school code, this appointment was to be for four years (July 2018–June 2022). The board approved and recognized the term.
In substitute and supplemental positions, Mark Miller was approved as a substitute teacher for the remainder of the school year. The following were approved as track workers for 2019 season: Kaci Daniels, Bill Cochran, Jolene Schuessler, Chad Obenrader, Kylie Geci, Ricci Jeannerette, Logan Anderson and Barb Close.
Summer employment advertising was approved by the board. Employment opportunities for the summer will include: cooks, monitors, custodial, summer physical education teacher, summer school teachers and Keystone remediation teachers.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Merry gave an update to the board, saying the district is prepared for PSSA testing which begins on Monday. Students in grades 3-8 are administered the English language arts and math assessment. Students in grades 4 and 8 will also take the science assessment. Parent information was sent home in March. If parents have questions or concerns regarding the PSSAs, contact the elementary or high school for more information.
Spring Keystone information will be provided within the next week to students who are rostered to take a Keystone Assessment (Algebra, Biology, and/or Literature).
Elementary families are asked to be watching for a spring Title I parent meeting to be scheduled soon as well as a link to a Title I parent survey.
Otto-Eldred School District will be hosting a free event for families. A Kick-off to Summer will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on May 18 at the high school. There will be outside organizations/agencies sharing their information, hotdogs, games, a bounce house, a dunk tank and free giveaways.
In closing, a variety of field trips were approved by the board. These include: IU9 Songfest, Camp Penuel, and Challenge 24 Competition.
