SA must make cuts

BERNE — With the lag time taken out of the school-funding process, South Adams is left to make some quick decisions.
Superintendent Scott Litwiller informed South Adams School Board members during a work session Tuesday that more than $90,000 must be cut from the second-semester general fund budget because of a drop in enrollment.
The board also discussed ways to reduce spending on capital projects, the school system’s social media policy and the possibility of creating an advanced manufacturing career academy.
Enrollment in South Adams Schools dropped by 76 students — to 1,212 from 1,288 — between the August and February count dates. That will result in a cut of $91,810 in state funding for the second semester.
In the past, school corporations had a year to make adjustments for such enrollment drops, but the state changed that system this year.
“I was expecting our migrant students to reduce our funding,” said Litwiller. “But I really last fall was not expecting that we would lose 32 non-migrant students.
“The challenge is brainstorming ways that we can reduce this semester’s expenses by $90,000 or come close to that.”
Litwiller suggested a series of possible cuts, some of which could impact the general fund immediately and others he asked the board to consider for the 2014-15 school year.
Among the options were:
•Using Title 2 money to pay for items currently paid for out of the general fund, such as a the contract for technology teacher Kristin Brown.
•Reducing the new library book budget.
•Spending less on supply purchases.
•Reducing the Life Matters budget.
•Cutting hours for classified aides to seven per day from the current 7.5.
•Freezing salaries for certified employees and administration.
•Not hiring a replacement for business teacher Deb Hosier, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
•Cutting one or more teaching positions.
•Eliminating money for professional development.
The board added the possibilities of cutting the alternative education program through Crossing Educational Center and either adding a ream of paper to the school supply list or a paper fee be charged in order to save money on supplies.
Board member Ray Gill suggested South Adams make an effort to reach out to the Amish population in an effort to increase enrollment, and therefore funding, in the future so such cuts would not have to be made. He noted that the use of computers in the classroom is an issue, but that other school districts have had success in allaying those concerns.
“I think there’s a huge fear there of losing control of … what they stand for,” said board president Arlene Amstutz. “There’s also a fear of what their kids might come in contact with.”
Elementary school principal Shelly Miller said teachers are already working to honor the wishes of Amish families who do not want their children using iPads.
Gill suggested setting up a meeting with bishops in order to address any concerns they might have about the educational process at South Adams.
“It’s most difficult to reduce sufficient expenses to overcome your operational costs,” he said. “The key is increasing revenue. And our only means to do that is through student population. I think there is much more to be gained by adding to the top of the ledger than by trying to sap it out of the bottom.”
Litwiller also suggested the school system look at reaching out to home-schooled students.
The board also discussed adjustments in capital projects spending in order to continue roof replacement at the school. Litwiller suggested cuts of $35,000 from technology licensing, $13,000 for purchase of a second riding hallway sweeper and $15,000 for resurfacing of the track.
Continuing a discussion from November, the board reviewed its social media policies and made suggestions for future changes. Policies currently prohibit use of social media by students and staff through the school corporation’s network, but authorizes use for promotion of school programs and activities and for safety and security if approved by the superintendent.
The board suggested changes to allow the use of social media in case of emergencies and as an outreach/communication tool. It also asked that language be included to prohibit staff members from creating South Adams-related accounts without administration approval and access, and that non-teaching coaches be educated on social media policies.
Litwiller also talked with the board about the possibility of creating a full-day advanced manufacturing career academy that would serve all of Area 18, which includes Adams, Jay and Wells counties. It would include classes such as precision machining, welding and industrial maintenance.
He said there is grant funding available from the state, which has recently made a push to increase vocational education programs at the high school level.
“I would support this 100 percent,” said board member Landon Patterson. “I think it’s a great thing.”
Such a facility could also be used for adult education.
Board members John Mann, Amy Orr, John Buckingham, Julie Mansfield, Gill, Amstutz and Patterson also unanimously approved 14 policy updates, including to the sections about harassment, bullying and family medical leaves of absence.[[In-content Ad]]