Mason Schools will eliminate 53 jobs, reduce transportation for some students and implement play-to-pay fees for the 2011-12 school year in an effort to cut the budget by nearly $6 million.
The plan was announced Tuesday evening at a heated school board meeting by Superintendent Kevin Bright as part of a cost-reduction plan that will save the district $5.8 million.
“We’ve put everything under the microscope,” Bright said. “Based on what we’ve heard, we believe we’ve come up with a plan that is true to our community’s wishes, is sustainable and that protects the classroom as much as possible.”
The board has called for a special meeting for 10:30 a.m. Friday at administrative offices to discuss finances. Treasurer Dick Gardner will present an updated financial forecast that includes the effects of the cuts.
The board will also decide whether to put another money issue on the May 3 ballot. The deadline for placing an issue on the ballot is Feb. 2.
The Enquirer’s Sue Kiesewetter reports on details of the cuts:
The bulk of the cuts – $4,668,000 – will come from eliminating jobs, Bright said.
Transportation for the 2011-12 school year will also be reduced. There won’t be changes for children in preschool through grade three, but those in grades 4-12 will find themselves walking further to catch a bus as the district reduces the number of stops and routes. The savings are estimated to save $350,000.
“We will consolidate bus stops in order to maximize savings,” Bright said.
The district will not replace Assistant Superintendent Dave Allen, who is retiring Feb. 1. His position is one of six administrative positions being eliminated – a 12 percent reduction. In all, 19.5 of the district’s 688 teaching positions, or 3 percent, are also being eliminated.
Other positions being eliminated: 6.5 clerical jobs; one of 10 health service coordinators; 14 of the districts 185 paraprofessionals; and six custodial/maintenance workers.
Bright said most of the staffing cuts should come from resignations and retirements.
Other positions being eliminated: 6.5 clerical jobs; one of 10 health service coordinators; 14 of the districts 185 paraprofessionals; and six custodial/maintenance workers.
Along with spending reductions, the district will increase revenues by charging fees for athletics, student activities and use of the district’s facilities when classes aren’t in session.
Beginning in August, middle school athletes will be charged a $100 participation fee and high school students will pay $150.
Along with spending reductions, the district will increase revenues by charging fees for athletics, student activities and use of the district’s facilities when classes aren’t in session.
The district will also vacate its professional development center and rent it out. Fees have not been set yet.
Beginning in August, middle school athletes will be charged a $100 participation fee and high school students will pay $150.
This is not the first time the district has reviewed its budget and made cuts. Since 2005, the district has cut $9 million from its budget as it faced reductions in revenue.
Faced with reduced state funding, Mason also took a financial blow from dwindling revenues from an inventory tax phase out program implemented by the state in 2005. Mason Schools currently receives about $11 million in revenue from inventory taxes. That money will slowly phase out to $4 million in 2014 and zero in revenue in 2019.
Mason Schools consistently score a top rating on the Ohio Local Report Card. This year the district is ranked fifth in the entire state for academic performance.
Residents can view the plan at www.masonohioschools.com.
Posted in: Board of Education, Levy news, Schools |
