Highlights:
Structural trends in Chatham's budget indicate that expenditures overall would significantly increase over time unless steps were taken now to minimize future spending increases.
Business as usual (maintaining all existing programs, staffing levels, supply agreements, etc.) would result in a 7.9% budget expenditure increase, and due to an initial anticipated decline in state aid of approximately 5% would necessitate a 17.5% increase in the tax levy. However, the actual decline in state aid as currently proposed is 11.6%, which would require a tax increase of almost 20%.
Recognizing the impact that a tax increase of that magnitude would have, a decision was made to take advantage of declining enrollments and staff retirement/resignations to rethink how the district operates without affecting Chatham's educational values and staff.
Approximately 12 staff positions being voluntarily vacated will not be filled. Thanks were given to those leaving for their dedication and years of service. Significant savings will be realized as a results of a 15% reduction in equipment, material and supplies. Certain programs are being maintained or added at little or no additional cost, including interscholastic sports. A comment was made that the proposed elimination of the adult education brochure would disadvantage those who did not have a computer to access the same information on the district's web site.
As expected, however, much of the discussion from the audience involved the plan to institute a 1-bell bus routing, rather than the current 2-bell system. This means essentially that there will be only a single bus run rather than 2 as is currently the case. Cost savings were estimated at slightly less than $200,000 for the year, and this assumes no reduction in transportation staff, even though a reduction (and further cost savings) would be likely over time due to retirements/resignations (and decreased need for bus replacements).
A number of parents expressed concern that their younger children would be on the same bus as older students, and raised questions about pickup locations, length of time on a bus, availability of seating if buses are filled, and other issues. It was pointed out that younger students currently do share a bus with older students on the late bus.
Mr. Bordick addressed some of these questions, but did indicate that this was a work in progress and further study would be needed. A number of audience members spoke out either in favor of the 1-bell proposal, or indicated that they would maintain an open mind as details of the 1-bell system were worked out. This latter group included parents whose child/children would be directly affected.
Dr. Wapner indicated a working group of parents, transportation department and board members would be formed to work out these issues. It was also suggested that representatives (parents, administrators) of school districts that have implemented a 1-bell system be invited to relate their experiences with the system.
Assuming that the budget is passed as proposed (and there are a number of steps and meetings that will take place before the taxpayers vote on May 19), the actual budget appropriation (the amount that voters will authorize to be spent) will decrease by 1.7% from 2008-2009, but due to the large decline in state aid, the amount to be raised via taxes will increase by 1.6%.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the details of the proposal, a tax increase of only 1.6% represents a significant change from the larger increases of the past, and the superintendent and board should be congratulated for a new way of thinking about running the district and breaking away from the business as usual mindset we have seen in the past.
Finally, many commented on the excellence of Mr. Bordick's presentation.
