As state funding at the local level is an incredibly critical topic throughout the state, we wanted to share this information provided from the Ellis Public School District regarding how it will affect local operations.

USD 388 News........

From the desk of Steve Taylor, Superintendent

State Budget Concerns:  All Districts statewide are being faced with budget cuts.  

The Montoy lawsuit case back in 2006 addressed adequate funding for schools.  As a result of that lawsuit, Base State Aide Per Pupil was set to increase each year.  According to this law, the BSAPP for the school year of 09-10 was to be $4492.  The legislature set the BSAPP for this year at $4012, a shortfall of $480 per student.   

The difference between a BSAPP of $4492 and a BSAPP of $4012 for our District is $350,928.  That is the difference between what our General Fund Dollars should have been, and what we actually received in our General Fund.  All projections at the current time state that K-12 Budgets will more than likely face more reductions for the 2010-11 school year.  This is because state revenues continue to come in at lower than projected estimates.  The Kansas State Department of Education is telling us that we need to prepare for a reduction in the BSAPP for next year in a range of $300 - $600.  

What does this mean to our District?  If we have a reduction in the BSAPP of $300, this would result in a General Fund reduction to our District of an additional $219,330, and would make the BSAPP $3712, which is lower than the BSAPP in the 2000-01 school year.  This possible loss of funding is forcing us to consider staff and program reductions.  This will result in larger class sizes, as well as fewer elective offerings and extracurricular activities for our students. 

These are the things we have done to address our budget concerns this year.

      Froze all salaries District-wide

      Cut the Pre-school/Pre-K program

      Eliminated Lunchroom Supervisors/Workers lunches

      Eliminated public activity passes

      No KSHSAA coaches clinic

      Did not print pocket calendars

      Reduced professional development for staff

      Reduced field trips

      Raised drivers education fees

      Combined activity trips for lower transportation costs

      Acquired a new copier lease to reduce copier costs 
 
These are the planned reductions for the 2010-2011 school year, pending Board of Education action.  

      Summer school program

      Summer weights program

      Summer band program

      Summer custodial help

      Cross Country program

      Golf program

      EHS and WGS Scholars Bowl

      Extended summer contracts

      Assistant coaching positions 

Most importantly, we have already notified five full-time teachers that we will not be able to renew their contracts for the next school year due to the anticipated budget shortfall. 

As you can see, we are faced with many challenges.  We are also blessed with a great school district and a community that supports education.  We will continue to strive to do our best with the General Fund dollars we receive from the State to provide a high quality education for the students of USD 388. 

The Legislators have heard from school Administrators and Teachers.  Now we need your help by having you, the District Patrons, contact your Legislators and let them know how these budget shortfalls are affecting the quality of education in USD 388. 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

      Senator Janis Lee:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

      Representative Dan Johnson:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it