Superintendent must cut $3 million from 2012-2013 budget
Steve Dozier, Webster Parish School Superintendent, has been given the daunting task of cutting $3 million in order to reduce the 2012-2013 budget.
Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the general fund is used to pay salaries and benefits, so for the past month Dozier and Webster Parish School Board (WPSB) supervisors have been looking at every avenue available to make cuts with the least amount of casualties as possible.
"I met with each supervisor in each department and we looked at everything, item, by item, by item," Dozier said.
The final drafted report will be presented by Dozier to the board at the second meeting in February. The specific date of that meeting had not been posted at press time.
Since January 5, Dozier has held several meetings at the Central Office in the areas of changing Title I and Title II office staff salaries from general funds to Special Education funds; elementary, junior high and high school reduction in force; and reduction in force at the district office to include maintenance, transportation, education, business, Title office and Special Education.
No names will be mentioned in the budget reduction draft presented to board members, but some of the cuts to be suggested are removal of numerous teaching slots, excessive paraprofessionals and some district office staff members. Relocation of some employees may take place, as well as, title changes and consolidation of bus routes.
When discussing the elementary education meeting, Dozier described how he and the supervisors determined who and what to include in the budget reduction plan.
"We sat down and just about all of the supervisors were there – but not all of them – and we went through every elementary school staff on those two meeting days.
"And we looked at all the schools," he continued. "We looked at how many students were in each classroom at each grade level and we said, 'Okay, if we remove that teacher they are still within the state limits.'"
Although the state allows up to 33 students per class in some cases, Dozier said they kept WP elementary classrooms in the ballpark area between 25-27.
"We have to get $3 to $3.5 million so it isn't going to be 18 in a room ... those days are gone," Dozier said.
Dozier continued that although a school's number of teachers may drop, some teachers might just be reassigned.
"Moving a teacher means deleting that teacher, but it may not be that particular teacher based upon RIF procedures (Reduction in Force)," Dozier said.
"Just because you are at, say, Jones and you are in fourth grade and we have too many fourth grade teachers doesn't mean for sure you're the one going. You could be replacing somebody over in Springhill because they have less experience."
Dozier said it's possible the beginning teachers understand what is ahead. "I think they kind of know because I've told some don't go out and buy new cars or buy new houses because this is coming in the spring and it could hit you."
In efforts to free up general fund money in other areas Dozier said they are taking into account the many retirements that have occurred this year. There will be no replacements to fill those positions and he said $100,000 was saved by not replacing the Assistant Superintendent position after the retirement of Jackie Sharp.
Also, the guidelines of federal funds Title I and Title II were studied closely in efforts to switch whatever program or person possible from general to those funds.
According to Crevonne Odom, director of business and finance, Title I is a federal program, which allocates funds to school districts to offset the effects of poverty on the educational opportunities of low performing children in high-poverty schools.
A poverty-based formula is used to determine the allocated amount.
Title II (Eisenhower Grant) is a federal program which provides training and recruitment for teachers and principals in the parish, including private schools.
It was discovered that two areas could be switched over to title funds, one of which is the summer school program.
"That's about $140,000, that after this year, will be switched over to title funding instead of general funds," Dozier said.
When looking at the secondary school situation Dozier said four to six teaching slots could be eliminated.
With that said, Dozier explained it's possible to save up to two teachers if the block schedule were removed from Minden High and Lakeside High.
"The block schedule requires more staffing," he said. "It gives each teacher at Minden and Lakeside High a 90-minute prep period each day.
"Normally, the teachers get 45 minutes every day so we are double prepping."
Dozier said he hopes the board will consider looking at this possible change but he realizes they voted for the block schedule unanimously a year ago.
In block scheduling, students attend four 90-minute classes every day for each quarter, allowing the student additional instructional time and a more intense focus on the subject matter.
"It may be better for the students but it is costing money," Dozier said. "We would have to work it completely through and see how many positions could be saved ... probably a couple.
"So is it worth $110,000 to change it?" he asked. "I don't know. It just depends on where you are on that scale of trying to get to your $3 to $3.5 million."
Dozier realizes presentation of a draft does not mean instant approval from the board.
"We have to look at it and realize it is not in stone, but it is a good draft that's going to get our financial needs, but, remember, the board may not approve of everything," said Dozier.
"If they don't approve, then we have to figure out what part they don't and what they want to do and how to get to our money figure."
Comments
I have been to the SB and my childs school several times because the needs extra help in school and yet nothing has happened. And yes he gets work at home almost the whole time he is at home until he/she goes to bed. So with that said....NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND is a joke. So i don't want to hear that all this is to do is best for the students, beause it's all bull. I think some needs to be fired that aren't doing their job and some in the office needs a cut in pay. If you want to do raises anymore it should to go bus drivers
I was in the MHS auditorium when they consolidated, but I don't understand why you think that is relevant to your point.
While Union was closed, the consolidation did not happen to the extend that was recommended, which would have saved nearly $250,000 annually. (This figure is from memory. I read the documents supporting it nearly a year ago. I believe it was between 230,000 and 290,000-ish)
Springhill consolidated previously to the past year's fiasco. I suspect schools in the north end will be closed in time, just as with Doyline. Keeping them open only serves to appease tax payers and parents who don't understand the long term affects of keeping the schools open- even if they do mean well.
The rearrangement of schools in the north end caused lots of parents to stress about busing. So on that topic you are wrong. The longest bus route in Webster Parish is in the north end. I believe that route is 45 minutes long.
Personabove: where were you when they "consolated" Doyline? Union elementary was closed and all of those children are now at one place!! MONEY SAVED!!! Not ONE, 0, nada!! goose-egg, was closed on the north end, and to boot, Springhill still has all of their schools and no students being bussed.
Did Mr. Dozer show true leadership by taking a pay cut? I me seriously 120,000 a year starting pay...50,000 in the bank if we cut his pay to 70,000 until he proves himself...Mr. Madden can pay him under the table like he did to get him elected...
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