Marysville School Board reduction recommendations

Recommendations Marysville Schools May 23, 2011 Overview: Three years ago to the very month, we sat here making and announcing reductions to the school district. Those reductions were difficult then and they are difficult tonight. The recommendations I’m about to make are based on assumptions given the current House version of the Governor’s proposed state budget. If the Senate of the Senate/House conference committees adds additional modifications, either positive or negative, those will need to be revisited. However, we will make the recommendations tonight based on the best information we have.

The reductions are difficult because we continue to be forced to dismantle one of the finest school districts in Central Ohio. However, given the reduction in the elimination of the TPP reimbursement, the further eroding the local tax base which originally occurred in 2005 with HB66, the lack of adequate state funding to fill this void and the overall dismal state funding scheme, we have no choice. We have no choice but by State law to balance our budget.

As I said in 2008, the reductions are like looking at your hand and deciding which finger to cut off. As with our hand, all fingers are important. The same can be said about our staff, our educational programs and services. They are all important. They make Marysville Schools who we are. But, obviously fiscal decisions must be made as mandated by the State of Ohio. We must make decisions and our program must be modified or eliminated. We must make these decisions knowing that these reductions are all important to our success and not having them will not make us better.

The staffing recommendations will take us to 591 employees. In 2004, we had 587 employees. In 2004 we had approximately 600 fewer students than we anticipate having in the 2011-12 school year.

Recommendations for May 23th Board Meeting: Staff Reductions: Other Staff reductions: Income/Fee Increases: Other reductions -(substitutes, reduced materials, reduced fees, etc.):

$1 million $154,000 $173,000 $150,000 (line item reductions made administratively)

Assumptions: - Based on May, 2011 five-year forecast, and also using October, 2010 forecast as trend background.

- Based on House version of the Governor’s proposed state budget (if Senate or if Senate/House conferences committees change the House version, or if the Governor vetoes any part of the bill, then further review will need to be made based on revised Five-Year forecast update) - Based on assumption of no new revenue.

- Reduction of 18-20 staff and other reductions previously made allows FY12 to end with balance of $1.7 million.

- Further reductions in FY12 will be necessary since FY13 has balance deficit of $2.6 million.

- Recommended reductions of 40 positions in FY13 will be necessary to balance $2.6 million deficit (assuming approx. $57,000 per employee) plus other recommended reductions.

- Based on assumption that no other employee contract modifications are agreed upon.

1. Absorb/Reduction of 20 staff for 2011-12 – These positions mostly will come from the retirement incentive offered in the spring of 2011. 22 staff members took that retirement incentive which created a savings of nearly $300,000. By not adding back 19 of the positions, an additional $700,000 can be saved. Staff positions not being filled: • 5 HS Teachers • 2 Gifted • 3 Elementary • 2 Creekview • 1 MS • 4 Aides/Secretaries • 1 Custodian • 1 Bus Driver/Bus Route We will also not add back one other aide position due to a resignation.

2. Consider Reduction of 40 staff for 2012-13 – These positions will be identified by January 2012 & reduced by April 2012. $ 2.3 Million 3. Consider additional $50.00 pay-to-participate fee – I strongly feel that the community should provide a strong extra-curricular program as part of the educational experience. I also understand that when dollars get tight that the “extra” in front of the name means just that.

Curricular programs come first. Extra-curricular must become more self-

sufficient. I fear that moving the costs of this program too high will keep kids from participating. Marysville will continue to have some of the highest fees in the OCC athletic league. But, we have no choice.

It is recommended that the pay-to-participate fee be increased to $200.00 per activity. In light that 20 staff members are not being replaced on the curricular side of the operation, I feel the extra-program must also become more self-sufficient.

I further recommend that if no further moneys appear before the 2012-13 school year that further reductions must be made which would reduce all High School, Middle School and Elementary extra-curricular activities.

This would save $835,000.

4.

Consider elimination of coaching and activity positions: I am recommending the elimination of 16 High School coaching/activity positions. $ 48,000 I am also recommending a minimum elimination of 8 Middle School coaching/activity positions: $23,000 th Or Elimination of 7 Grade Sports/Activities: $ 47,000 Or Suspension of Middle School Sports/Activities for 2011-12 school year $130,000

5. Consider elimination of approximately 30% of extended time contracts: $ 51,000 6. Consider reduction of summer workers: $ 30,000 7. Consider Income generation: Lunch prices increased by .05 • Café: supporting % of custodial help • Pay to play to $200.00 per activity • Additional Fees for Building Use: • Implement $10 MS and $30 HS Student Government/Activity fee:

$ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 20,000 $ 53,000