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Cut this, but don't cut that
By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer
Friday, April 24, 2009 | No comments posted.
COOS BAY - A retired school superintendent called on the Coos Bay School District to cut its middle school sports program. A quartet of high school juniors urged school officials to save language and advanced placement courses.
But school officials won't be able to act upon these suggestions until after May 15, the day the state produces its final budget figures for the coming year.
Superintendent Bob De La Vergne already has proposed a number of cuts, including 16 teachers and $250,000 from the athletic budget. About half the lost positions won't mean layoffs, he said, noting there are eight educators opting for early retirement.
But if state budget projections are as bad as some economists expect, the district may need to find another $1 million to cut.
So about 80 came to a meeting Thursday at Millicoma Intermediate School to offer suggestions as to how the district should get there.
Giles Parker, former longtime superintendent of Coos Bay schools, said the district should cut sports funding at Sunset Middle School. That way, more sports could be saved at the high school level.
"I think we need to save the core," he said.
Sunset science teacher Jamie Fereday suggested going further, shifting all sports funding into academics. Grants and private donations might keep sports alive, he said.
One board member defended the importance of school sports.
"Sports are what kept me in school, and I know there are students today who are in that same boat," said Andy Post.
Four high school students opposed cutting rigorous academic programs, such as advanced placement courses offering college credit.
"We want to challenge ourselves," said Tori Scott, with an eye toward her college resume.
De La Vergne said there are plans to keep some AP classes and upper-level language courses, though he didn't say which would stay and which would go.
A lot depends on the budget forecast, said Business Manager Rod Danielson. The state has estimated its funding for Oregon schools could range from $5.4 billion to $5.9 billion in the next biennium. Danielson said for every additional $100 million in state funds, Coos Bay can expect about $300,000.
School officials won't know what they're working with until May 15. The district's budget committee plans to start meeting May 20.
But school officials won't be able to act upon these suggestions until after May 15, the day the state produces its final budget figures for the coming year.
Superintendent Bob De La Vergne already has proposed a number of cuts, including 16 teachers and $250,000 from the athletic budget. About half the lost positions won't mean layoffs, he said, noting there are eight educators opting for early retirement.
But if state budget projections are as bad as some economists expect, the district may need to find another $1 million to cut.
So about 80 came to a meeting Thursday at Millicoma Intermediate School to offer suggestions as to how the district should get there.
Giles Parker, former longtime superintendent of Coos Bay schools, said the district should cut sports funding at Sunset Middle School. That way, more sports could be saved at the high school level.
"I think we need to save the core," he said.
Sunset science teacher Jamie Fereday suggested going further, shifting all sports funding into academics. Grants and private donations might keep sports alive, he said.
One board member defended the importance of school sports.
"Sports are what kept me in school, and I know there are students today who are in that same boat," said Andy Post.
Four high school students opposed cutting rigorous academic programs, such as advanced placement courses offering college credit.
"We want to challenge ourselves," said Tori Scott, with an eye toward her college resume.
De La Vergne said there are plans to keep some AP classes and upper-level language courses, though he didn't say which would stay and which would go.
A lot depends on the budget forecast, said Business Manager Rod Danielson. The state has estimated its funding for Oregon schools could range from $5.4 billion to $5.9 billion in the next biennium. Danielson said for every additional $100 million in state funds, Coos Bay can expect about $300,000.
School officials won't know what they're working with until May 15. The district's budget committee plans to start meeting May 20.
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