Sun Nov 08 2009
By JACK PALMER
A series of cost-cutting measures dating back to last fall will provide a net increase of more than $2 million to the Defiance City Schools' general fund for the current fiscal year which ends June 30, 2009.
"From a financial management standpoint, we're doing some very good things," said superintendent Mike Struble. "It's just that few people know about it because these cuts aren't being accompanied by a levy request."
The updated financial information and projected future budgets were shared by treasurer Eric Beavers at this morning's quarterly meeting of the district's finance committee. The group is comprised of teacher Steve Norwood; support staff member Neal Detter; community members Terry Melton, Eric Hench, Sam Strausbaugh, Lois Curry and Doug George; board member Mark Klein; and Struble and Beavers.
"Without taking these steps, we would have been on the ballot for new money earlier this year," said Beavers. "Now it looks like we might not have to come back to voters for more operating funds until 2011."
While not bleak, the district's financial situation -- like most Ohio school districts -- remains tenuous.
"Our general fund carryover balance on June 30 of this year was $931,000," said Beavers. "For a $22 million annual budget, it's pretty scary. That carryover balance doesn't even cover one month's payroll."
Nearly $1.3 million of the estimated $2 million savings this year is derived from the realignment of staff and services. Those include retirements and resignations not replaced, reductions in force approved by the school board last March, and the termination of many special services with the Defiance County Educational Service Center and employing district staff members instead.
"The $1.3 million is actually a net figure," said Beavers. "It factors in nearly $400,000 in additional staffing costs for six new kindergarten teachers (for the new all-day every-day and developmental kindergarten programs), an intervention teacher and three other elementary teachers."
The major reductions in force involved four CORE teachers (who provided services to at-risk high school students), 2.5 junior high and high school industrial art teachers, an elementary physical education teacher and a behavioral consultant (an administrative position).
"We tried to minimize the impact the cuts would have on our overall educational program and we think we've done that," said Struble. "But was there an adverse impact? Sure there was. The CORE program at the high school is a good example. We were getting results. But we were serving only around 45 kids.
"We're hopeful the new virtual learning program implemented by Bob Morton (high school principal) will help those students formerly served by the CORE program."
The district also eliminated its grade 7-12 industrial arts program with the exception of computer aided design (CAD) at the high school.
"We went from three full-time teachers to one part-time teacher," said Struble. "We were sad about that, because we have had a strong industrial arts program for many, many years. But we were among only a few schools in northwest Ohio with a 7-12 industrial arts program. For most districts, wood shop has pretty much gone by the wayside."
In addition to these program cuts, the district has opted not to fill several positions involving staff members who retired or resigned. Those include the Spencer Elementary principal, half-year middle school principal, junior high English teacher, junior high reading teacher, middle school guidance counselor, special education teacher, second-grade teacher and first-grade teacher.
"We're also saving over $450,000 from the ESC realignment," said Struble. "Those cover special services for hearing impaired, autistic students, emotional disturbed, SBH (severe behavioral handicapped), MH (multi-handicapped) and the opportunity center. We are able to incur this substantial savings by employing our own teachers and providing those services ourselves. We also anticipate additional revenue of around $135,000 received from other districts which utilize our special services."
Another key component of the district's cost reductions is a new health insurance plan implemented last October.
"That saved over $350,000 last year and will save $500,000 this year," said Beavers.
The updated report was well received by the finance committee members, who praised the administration and board for their fiscal responsibility.
"Running a business myself, I know how painful cost-cutting measures can be," said Hench. "To do so without the community being pressured for a new levy is awesome. There has been tremendous savings for taxpayers."
Struble said the district is striving to be proactive.
"If people realize and appreciate what we are doing, they will be more willing to support our schools when we do have to come back and ask for more money. When we come to them, they hopefully will know we really need it."
Struble said that the school board and administration are keenly aware of the present economic environment.
"We want the public to know that school people do get it. We don't fault the public for being tired of taxes. We're part of that public. We understand why levies fail."
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