If you are not already on Kyrene’s listserve, you will want to be! Important information is relayed via the system. This is some of that information. (Refer to the previous post for how to add your email to the list)
June 2, 2011
Dear Kyrene Community:
In last week’s edition of “Kyrene Communicates”, I outlined the recent budgetary challenges Kyrene has been experiencing. As I met this spring with parents, staff, school board and community members, I have been filled with pride as people describe the quality of the Kyrene Schools and the programs that they are passionate about.
As you know, over the past three years Kyrene’s funding from the state has decreased by 10 percent.This year, our deficit is over 4 million dollars. With these reductions, we simply must adapt to new ways of doing things. We are unable to provide exactly the same education as in the past. Staff, parents, community and school board members have had challenging conversations on balancing the budget for the upcoming school year.
The recommendations for 2011-2012 are:
• Over $700,000 in administration reductions
• Adjustment to the schedule for elementary classes in Library, Art, P.E. and Music.
Each subject will be taught 45 minutes per week.
• Class size ranges will increase by 1 student in kindergarten, 2 students in first and second grade, no change to third, fourth and fifth grades and 1 student in sixth through eighth grade. (See table below)
• Akimel A-al, Centennial, KMS and Pueblo on 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. schedule, Altadeña and Aprende on 8:15-3:15 schedule to save $500,000 in transportation costs
• Reductions of some social services/ prevention
• Reductions in district department budgets
• Reductions in school supply budgets
• Reductions in utility expenses
• Reductions in academic intervention
• Pursue revenue enhancements including web and bus advertising, field naming rights, increased preschools and other business partnerships.
CLASS SIZE INCREASES
Grade Level / Current (2010-2011) / New (2011-2012)
Kindergarten / 21-23 / 22-24
Grade 1 / 22-24 / 24-26
Grade 2 / 23-25 / 25-27
Grade 3 / 26-27 / 26-27 – no change
Grades 4 & 5 / 28-30 / 28-20 – no change
Grades 6, 7 & 8 / 30-32 / 31-33
As we look to the future, we must leave no stone unturned and will continue to examine efficiencies in every area of district operations from transportation to administration. Statewide, Kyrene is recognized as a district that maximizes dollars in the classroom and spends the least on administration. These priorities will continue. School districts across our nation are struggling to compensate for lost funding for education.
In Arizona the situation is particularly acute and we anticipate these challenges to continue for another few years. Thankfully, we are in a better position than other districts that have closed schools and/or completely eliminated programs like library, art, music and P.E.
We encourage parents, business leaders and others to suggest creative solutions that may result in budget savings. To provide your input or get more information, go to: Kyrene School District - Budget Update. Working together, I know that Kyrene will continue to be a premier place to educate Arizona’s youth as we move into the next part of the 21st Century.
Sincerely,
David K. Schauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
