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Issue 86
School Taking More Steps Toward Crisis
Resolution
Healdsburg Unified School District has been
busy in the last few months addressing the current financial crisis. The
Board of Trustees recently had to cut $750,000 from its operating budget
for the next school year resulting in significant losses to programs for
students in kindergarten through grade 12.
But several recent decisions have been made that improve the situation.
The first is the successful negotiation of a reduction in health care
costs for both active and retired employees. These savings will begin in
the school year 2005-2006 and will continue yearly into the future.
The second is the commitment of the school district's management team,
Healdsburg Area Teachers Association, and the classified employees to
forego a salary increase for the next school year. The School Board is
deeply appreciative of their wish to aid the district in solving its
financial difficulties. Thank you all from your board and your
community.
Part of the ongoing plan for revenue enhancement is the possibility of a
parcel tax on the November 2005 or June 2006 ballot. But a parcel tax is
not the only avenue being considered. HUSD is working closely with the
Healdsburg Education Foundation to create ways for the community to
assist through donations and pledges. Thanks to all of you who are
supporting this effort. Many local businesses are contributing in a
variety of ways. You will hear more about these plans in the next few
weeks.
Lastly, an update on the reconfiguration and school site plans. Based on
demographic projections for the next 10 years, the reconfiguration
committee proposed a reorganization of grade levels and sites. This will
result in two elementary K-5 schools and a 6-8 middle school. This will
generate an ongoing savings of $250,000 each year due to the reduction
of operating expenses and staffing. Ten years ago a community committee
advised the district to create a middle school for educational reasons -
now at last this will happen.
The choice of sites is pretty simple. Foss Creek Elementary does not
allow us enough space to expand its facilities to house the number of
students needed as our second elementary school. The state has raised
safety concerns about the railroad tracks that run along side it.
Therefore, we are actively pursuing a sale of Foss Creek School and
moving ahead with the rebuilding of Fitch Mountain School. Plans call
for construction to start in May with completion by August 2006.
Included in the bid for Fitch is the remodel of the Smith Robinson lobby
which should be done in time for the REIBT tournament next fall.
While the current financial crisis is daunting, it is also providing an
opportunity to implement some exciting and ultimately cost saving
measures.
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