We have reviewed with the school board the recommended budget adjustments in the amount of $700,000 coming forth from the administration for the 2010-2011 year. This has been a four-month budget process with three public meetings, and each building held meetings where administrators presented information to staff. Board work sessions were also held to discuss the budget adjustment options. The administration ranked the $700,000 needed for adjustments in 2010-11 as a 1-2-3 ranking, with the remaining budget adjustment options as ranked 4-10.
The 1-2-3 ranking is as follows:
- Increase Third Party Billing
- Close Wilson (includes one FTE administration reduction)
- Defer Fund Balance Increase from 2008 levy Referendum (one-time savings)
If the Board follows this recommendation, extensive communication will take place with parents, the City of Waite Park, as well as with parents and communities of Discovery and Kennedy Schools due to the possible movement of some students (boundary changes) to accommodate Community Education Programs at Discovery that are currently housed at McKinley.
There is a lack of support from the City of Waite Park in consolidating the ALC Programs at McKinley, but we are working with the Mayor and their law enforcement to communicate plans that will hopefully alleviate their concerns. We do want to make sure that our decisions are about the students of the district first; we really care, not only about students and faculty, but also about the community, and that we desire to be a good partner with them.
A response will be forwarded to the City of Waite Park relative to their expressed concerns. If Board Members have other questions or would like more information, they are asked to contact Superintendent Jordahl or La Shawn Ray, Principal of ALC.
