Heber-Overgaard Schools face tough choices
03/03/10
“Difficult Times Call
for Difficult Decisions. This statement not only describes the
situation in our nation and in our state – it is also
very descriptive of circumstances in the Heber-Overgaard School
District,” states Mr. Ken VanWinkle, school district
superintendent. With student enrollment at 466 students, down
71 students from last year, the school district faces a budget
deficit of approximately $500,000 going in to the 2010-2011
school year…and that is before the state legislature
makes any additional cuts to education.
“We want to make sure everyone
understands that our budget is driven by enrollment and with
the loss of students – families moving out of our area
– we will not receive the same budget amount as this
current year,” VanWinkle continued, “we basically
have lost the equivalent of three classes. We are faced with
tough decisions that will involve cuts in personnel, 79% of our
budget goes toward salaries and benefits.”
“We also want the community to
know that the cuts and changes we will be making are only
temporary – in other words, if and when our enrollment
increases we can then bring back some of the things we will be
forced to cut now. We simply cannot continue to operate as we
have when we must eliminate half a million dollars from our
budget,” adds Mr. VanWinkle. “We need growth, we
need more students, we need more opportunities for jobs which
would encourage people to move back and encourage new people to
move here. Without those options we have seen what has happened
– it is sad to realize that many families (71 students
worth) have been forced to look for employment
elsewhere…”
With that said, we want you to know that
the Heber-Overgaard School District will continue to offer
quality education and programs for the students in our schools.
After all – the kids are the reason we are
here.”
After a School Board Study Session
held on Thursday, February 25th at Capps School, many items
were presented and discussed. During a study session, which is
an open meeting to the public, the Board cannot make any
motions or any decisions, it is only a meeting to discuss and
study options. Following are some of the options, ideas,
recommendations, and suggestions. School administration will
begin talking with staff, reviewing ideas, and making plans to
give final recommendations at the School Board meeting set for
March 11th. Items discussed, some of which will involve
notification being issued to some staff before long, are as
follows:
• With Mr. Tenney leaving the school
district, moving to work for the Snowflake School District to
fill the Federal Programs Director position as well as Head
Football coach at Snowflake, the district believes it cannot at
this time justify three principals while we have a current
enrollment of 466 students. – This will eliminate one
Administrative Position.
• Full-day Kindergarten funding will
be cut by the legislature, thus H-O USD will move back to
half-day Kindergarten, offering two (2) half-day sessions, one
in the morning and the other in the afternoon. – This
will eliminate One Kindergarten Teaching Position.
• Currently there are three 2nd grade
teachers, one being paid for classroom size reduction and
academic assistance – funding is for lower grades and
will go away for next year. – This will eliminate one 2nd
grade teaching position.
• Currently a certified teacher is
working as the high school librarian. That position will either
be moved to a Library Aide position or combined with another
library aide already in district, both of which would be a
considerable savings to the budget.
• One of the district Nurses has
resigned. This position will not be replaced.
• The possible necessity of
moving students from Mogollon Jr. High to Mogollon High School
is being considered. Although it would create some issues of
younger students with older, it may be the best Temporary
solution. Enrolment for MHS is presently 145 and MJHS is
69 for a total of 214 students. If this were to happen, 7th and
8th grade students would have separate lunch times, campus
would be closed for junior high students, and these students
would also have their classes in one building –
preferably Building 1. These 214 students would be supervised
by one principal at one campus. – This combination of
schools would eliminate at least one teaching position and
would give added responsibility to the principal.
• The principal at Mountain
Meadows Primary School, grades K-3, would also be principal at
Capps, grades 4-6. Both schools will remain open. This will
give added responsibility to the principal.
• Also discussed was having only
one full-time music teacher for the district, and offering a
part-time position to the other teacher. This would allow the
district to continue with 7th through 12th grade Band and
Orchestra. Recognizing the importance of music for students
– it is proposed that band and orchestra be offered for
4th – 6th grade students either before school or after
school – two days a week each, according to scheduling by
the teacher. – This would be a significant savings to the
budget.
• The Heber-Overgaard School
District invites all students currently being home schooled to
consider enrolling in our schools.
• The Heber-Overgaard School
District also reminds students in neighboring areas that this
is an “open enrollment” district and welcomes you
to enroll in our schools.
• We ask that parents of
incoming kindergarten students contact the Mountain Meadows
Office at 928-535-4622 extension 4000 to enroll you student
– As Soon As Possible.
• For the past two years staff
has been kept at the same place on the salary schedule. It is
proposed that “Steps and Columns” be given to those
employed with the district in the 2010-2011 school year.
There are many things on the table
and many items being discussed. The district realizes that
these are drastic changes – but these are not good
economic times. Many, maybe most of these items will take place
for the upcoming year. Also, keep in mind that should the
legislature decide to make cuts to education, this would
further affect the budget. As was stated in the beginning, this
issue of low enrollment is temporary and we look forward to an
improved economy to provide us with increased enrollment.
Working together we can make great things happen.