School News: Budget crunch takes a bite out of Marshall summer school

As I write this article the state of Missouri is dealing with the worst recession since the 1930's. Governor Nixon has already cut more than $700 million from this year's budget and may have to cut more before this fiscal year is completed.

Due to decreased revenues, the state of Missouri has already reduced allocations to schools by 2 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year. That is approximately $189,000 for our district.

At this time the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is predicting a 4 percent reduction for next year. That is approximately $347,000 and it may be possible that the shortfall could very well be more than 4 percent.

Obviously, the district can not afford to receive $536,000 less in revenue without making some expenditure reductions.

As we look around at other districts it is shocking to see the reduction amounts they are facing (ranging from Warrensburg -- $1,500,000 -- to Kansas City, which is considering closing between 25 and 30 schools).

My point with that information is that even though the economy is having a direct affect on schools, we are very fortunate that our reductions in expenditures will not begin to reach those levels.

Due to our fiscal responsibility during the past few years we are able to minimize our reductions. I am so pleased with our Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff who have done an outstanding job of preparing the district for these tough economic times.

While other districts are cutting programs, eliminating positions, charging activity fees to students, etc. Marshall Public Schools will be able to meet our financial obligations by addressing two areas.

One of the areas that will be directly affected will be summer school. At this time, school districts receive funding for summer school but the legislature is considering not funding this year's session. We have a few options:

--Wait until the legislative session is completed in May and see if a law is passed restricting summer school funding.

--Declare that the district will have summer school as long as it receives state funding.

--Announce that the district will not have summer school due to the uncertainty of the program.

Due to the uncertainly of the economy and the possibility that the program may not receive funding, Marshall Public Schools will not be holding summer school for students in grades K-8 (except for those students whose IEP requires extended services).

The district will hold summer school for students in grades 9-12 in order for our high school students to complete credit recovery courses and other credit received courses.

We are fortunate to live in a community that will have other summer opportunities for those students in grades K-8.

The YMCA will be holding a summer Day Camp and the Marshall Parks and Recreation Department will be providing a summer Outdoor Day Camp as well. Flyers for both of those programs will be sent home with our students at a later date.

The logic behind making this decision now is due to the fact that we don't believe it would be appropriate to wait until May before informing our parents. That would only leave a few weeks prior to the planned session and it would be extremely difficult for our parents to make other child care arrangements if necessary.

While this decision will not be popular, it is necessary in order to ensure the district remains financially solvent and attempts to treat people with dignity and respect in regards to the timing. Personally, I would have preferred to make this announcement in January but we have been watching the economy and holding onto a glimmer of hope that things would improve financially.

The other area that the district will be reducing expenditures in is the area of all current open positions. Some of our open positions will not be filled in an attempt to balance the budget. As those positions are evaluated I can assure you of the following promise:

Potential budget cuts will not infringe on:

--State legal requirements,

--Missouri School Improvement Program minimums,

--Federal requirements,

--Regional accreditation standards.

Obviously Missouri's Public Schools are suffering from the state and federal financial crisis. Our goal will be to meet all of the required standards and at the same time make some very difficult decisions. It won't be easy and it won't be popular but we will do everything in our power to ensure that we provide all of the programs that are required for our students.

In summation, let me state how proud I am to be a member of a district that has the foresight to prepare itself for these trying financial times. We are prepared, willing and able to continue to provide programs that will meet the needs of all of our students. By planning ahead and taking a proactive approach the Marshall Public School District ensures the future of our students remains bright.

If you have any questions or need any additional information please don't hesitate to contact me at 660-886-7414. Thank you for your continued support of the Marshall Public School District.