The Evansville School Board voted 5-2 on Monday night to remove from the list of cuts the half-day kindergarten. Pierick, Phillips, Cambell, Willoughby, and Larson voted yes, and Knutson and Hatfield voted no.
The Board had earlier voted a list of savings-cuts--
Utility costs---60,000'
Operating budget--74,645
Health Ins change --$20,000.
Raise Material Fees-- 10,000
Phone saving---$32,000
Pro. dev.stipends---$2500
Calendar printing---$1500.
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On a motion by Pierick the board voted to consider the first seven items and voted to approve these savings and hold the others for later discussion. The Motion carried.
Thus by this action, the School Board has the cuts necessary for the next school year. If any other positions are added, additional cuts must be made---- The half-day kindergarten will not be among these.
Art Phillips spoke for the motion to remove the cut of half-day kindergarten from further consideration of cuts this year by saying that it was not appropriate to keep parents coming to these meetings and reaching no decision. He indicated there were other areas for cuts to be made if positions had to be added.
The only caveat to all this is that there would still have to be enough interested parents to meet the minimum class size for the half-day students. In the past, however, there has been more than enough interest in this format.
This school board meeting appeared to the Observer to be part of a budding but growing effort of the School Board to function as a board and in this discussion which was heated, they acted to indicate their will on the options presented before them.
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I was so excited to see this, that they are leaving the half day kindergarten in place. congratulations to the school board for saying NO to cutting programs for the kids. For the first time in quite a while I am starting to see things from this board that I like. They are taking the time and listening to the parents about important issues. Congratulations again to the board an keep up the good work. It is good to know we are being listened to.
ReplyDeleteThank you to all of the members of the School Board. I could not be there last night, but by the sounds of it, you engaged in meaningful discussion and arrived at a considered decision. I think that is all that is asked of anyone who serves in the interest of the public. It's a tough job. Thank you for taking it on.
ReplyDeleteKaren Aikman
Jennifer Petruzzello said...
ReplyDeleteThe School Board should be thanked for voting to retain the 1/2 Day kindergarten program. I believe that they considered the comments and feelings of parents and made the best decision for our children. The Board was also able to approve budget saving measures to address the budget shortfall for the coming school year that will not negatively impact the students. Thank you for your careful consideration of the issues.
Unfortunately, budget challenges will continue. I hope that the School Board takes this time to engage our community in the budget process.