I was stopped and asked this today while out getting a pop. NO - SEA-1 is NOT the only factor affecting our school finances.
Don't be misled...the state hosed every public school, city and town with their "property tax relief" known as SEA-1. Just as big of a concern is declining enrollment. When your enrollment goes down, you lose money that comes from the state to fund your school. With lower enrollment should come a reduction in everything, sadly this includes staff. However, you can only cut so much. You still need teachers who are certified and experts in their subject material. You still need someone to lead the school. You still need every other job category. Some of you remember back to a time when schools didn't have nurses. I was a student at Lincoln Elementary when Helen Hoffbeck was hired as the first corporation nurse. She served every building! In today's day and age, you have to have nurses on staff. A secretary has enough to do, they don't need to manage children's injuries and medication!
Are there areas that can be evaluated and possibly reduced? Absolutely! If I am elected, I will be proactive regarding these evaluations....regardless if the referendum passes or fails. I will also be a voice, as I have stated before, to explore consolidation. Consolidation can look however we want it (and Tri-Central) to. It could be a merging of administration. That would save money for everyone. (See Frankton-Lapel) I am posting this before the Board meeting this evening. The school is expected to outline what potential cuts are on the table should the referendum fail to pass. EDIT: The Board had a discussion about which of their 6 pillars are most important to them.