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9-R seeks budget busters
Public uses Web to offer ideas to slash $2.9 million
Herald Staff Writer
Photo by JERRY McBRIDE/Herald photos
Agriculture teacher Robert Ortiz fills a syringe as Jack Meigs, 15, says “Oh, you’re OK” to a piglet he’s holding that received a penicillin shot during an ag class Tuesday. The animal and veterinary-science classes at Durango High School work in conjunction with 4-H and FFA projects for the La Plata County Fair. “Any decrease in funding would have a big impact on the ag classes here at the school, possibly eliminating some programs,” Ortiz said.
Click image to enlarge
JERRY McBRIDE/Herald photos
Brittany Stevens, 17, gives a penicillin shot to a piglet Jack Meigs, 15, is holding. Amanda Thompson, left, looks on during their Agriculture Independent Studies class Tuesday at Durango High School.
On the Net
Durango School District 9-R: http://durangoschools.org/
Some of the ideas, such as increasing admission prices at sports games, would be relatively easy to implement but would save or raise little money.
Others, such as closing Sunnyside Elementary School and moving pupils to Florida Mesa Elementary, would be intensely controversial.
The 4,697-student district is looking to cut about $2.9 million from the 2010-11 budget, which goes into effect July 1.
Already, principals are trying to save money for the rest of the current fiscal year.
Superintendent Keith Owen has said 9-R will implement layoffs at Durango High School before next school year because enrollment is expected to drop by about 65 students.
Still, the district does not appear ready to shut down any schools, a drastic measure that would surely anger parents. Sunnyside is 9-R's smallest school, with only 143 students. Florida Mesa has 313 students, according to an October 2009 count.
Closing a school might not save a lot of money, said Laine Gibson, 9-R's chief financial officer. Students would have to be bused to another school, canceling out some of the savings, he said.
Increasing class sizes by one student across the district, another option that has been discussed, would save $451,000, according to Gibson's Feb. 16 budget presentation.
Charging a gate fee for non-varsity sports would raise only $7,500 to $15,000 in additional revenue, according to another budget presentation in January.
Other ideas submitted by members of the public and 9-R employees include: b Asking voters to increase property taxes to raise about $2 million through a mill-levy override. If approved, it could ease the severity of the district's cuts or allow administrators to rehire for certain positions. However, some 9-R board members appear resistant to going to the ballot in November.
Board member Joe Colgan, at a meeting last week, suggested 9-R wait a year.
“We would be demonstrating to the community that we didn't cut just the fat, we cut some marrow," he said.
Board member Andrew Burns said he sensed some “reticence" among voters to increase taxes.
Another board member, Jeff Schell, said 9-R should ask this year “and maybe not be in this position next year."
“If we don't ask, they can't say no," he added.
b Cutting the school week to four days. The move would save $100,000 to $300,000, according to Gibson's estimate. But it would disrupt families, cause hiring hassles and possibly hurt student learning, he said in a budget presentation.
Cortez schools went to a four-day week this school year.
b Reducing the number of central office administrators or their salaries. Owen said he plans a furlough day for district administrators, including himself, in June. School lets out May 27.
Some cuts to central office budgets appear likely, but it is not known how deep they will go.
b Changing or eliminating some bus routes could save $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the changes. The district is not required to bus students, but eliminating bus routes could hurt enrollment if some parents decide to home-school their children, Gibson said last week.
b Implementing dozens of other changes, from selling Buckley Park in the 1200 block of Main Avenue to cutting high school activities to turning down the heat and shutting off lights in schools.
Many of these suggestions come with their own problems. Buckley Park was donated to 9-R, and the district may not be allowed to sell it, or even find a buyer, Gibson said.
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Durango Herald Calendar of Events
Thursday, February 25, 2010
at 5:29:46 PM
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Umm says...
I know for a fact that DHS has many computer labs that go unused every day. In each of those labs there are dozens of computers. The maintenance of of those computers probably cost a ton each year. If DHS could get rid of some of those computers, there would probably be a much lower computer maintenance cost and energy cost greatly reducing many of the rising costs that the school district pays. This could also apply to desks. Many of the desks at DHS break at some point but many desks are replaced for small cracks in the back rest. If the desks aren't replaced as often then there will be more money to spare. Eliminating some bus routes could also save the district a ton of money. My bus goes past Durango West II every day and we never stop to pick any one up. On top of that, the bus I ride is never very full so we could always pick up more people and that could eliminate a bus route. I also agree with many people about cutting in town routes where kids could walk or ride a bike to school. Not only is using the bus for short in town routes a waste of district money but it also hurts the environment. Many things on top of these ideas could be put into action and the district would probably have money to spare. Cutting teachers is not what should be done because they are the building blocks of our future.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
at 1:55:10 PM
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reality check says...
Supply and Demand folks. There are a dozen other school districts out there looking for a superintendent. Englewood with 2/3 the students is paying about the same and looking for someone great now. Keith Owen may not be perfect, but with Telluride's superintendent making over $200K then I would say Keith is not far off paid. Sure lets cut the salary in half and see who we get? The guys been at it for less than 2 years, is open to other's opinions and is hands down better then Barter was. Every district in the state is going through the same thing, lets not throw the baby out with the bath water, let the guy give us some longevity which will help the quality of our programs. At least he's been here long enough to know what the programs are!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
at 12:44:00 PM
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Sarah says...
Megan,
I hate to say it but the students opinions are never heard, even with student committees. I was chosen to be on quite a few student committees, the two biggest ones were the committee to elect the high school principal, and the committee to elect the 9R super intendent. In both of those cases we were told that our opinions were the ones that mattered most, however everything we said was shot down and brushed under the carpet. If you ask me it was a complete waste of my time and energy as the both of the people the students least agreed with were voted into their positions... now look where we are.
As for Just a Teacher, you also have spelling/grammar errors. "With your inability to write a paragraph without errors, what makes you sure your education better? I have my doubts." How about '...what makes you sure your education IS better?' Errors happen, I am sure that all of these comments were left by well educated people such as yourself.
The extra curricular activities have already taken some big hits with budget cuts. These activities are a big part of why students enjoy school and strive to do well in classes. Most of these activities do have fundraisers throughout the year, however they dont make enough to cover all of their expenses. Most of the difference ends up coming either out of the students pockets, or the parents pockets. To cut these activities even more would be a huge mistake in the long run.
As for those of you who suggest cutting the after school programs, I think that is an awful suggestion. Kids go to these after school programs because they are either to young to stay at home for a few hours while their parents are WORKING, or are not on any of the bus routes. These programs help parents who WORK a 9-5 day, not everyone has the luxury of getting off of work when their kids get out of school. Its disgusting to see comments suggesting that parents are lazy and dont want to take the time of day to be involved with their child.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 10:44:44 PM
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Lynn says...
Interesting that "just a teacher" picked apart comments for grammatical and spelling errors insinuating that those posters don't have a right to their opinions because they can't compose a message that meets his/her criteria. Can I tell you how many times I've had to correct teacher's mistakes? Or how many teachers have taught inaccuracies to my children? Or, my personal favorite, when the student teacher with dyslexia taught a math class and switched the numbers. No doubt that 9-R has some excellent teachers, but I suggest you stop picking apart the comments and look for real ways to solve this problem.
By the way, you misspelled "busses."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:57:55 PM
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elementaryteacher says...
Thank you Durango, for knowing how much your teachers give. Thank you for your support, it makes those 12 hour days and sleepless nights worth it. Thank you for supporting us, the teachers of your children, our future.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:54:09 PM
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Baffled says...
Megan, on the survey that Diana mentions in the comment below yours, it asks what type of person you are and 'student' is one of those choices. It looks like the district does want to hear from you. By all means get on there and let your voice be heard! Have as many students as you can find go on there and fill out the survey. You are absolutely right that the students are very much affected by any cuts the district might make. Let them know how you feel about it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 5:58:24 PM
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FLC Student says...
In a recently printed article it was mentioned that the current superintendent of Durango 9-R, Keith Owen, will make $155,250 this fiscal year (slightly above the average salary for superintendents in Colorado). With the average salary of teachers hovering around $40,000 a year, and with teachers in Durango making below the national average (some as little as $19,875), I have a proposal. If Keith Owen truly wants us to believe that he wants what is best for the district, he should be willing to take a cut from his own salary. Even if you cut his current salary in half, he would still be making twice as much as the hundreds of employees in the 9-R school district who may lose their jobs to cut costs. This is not a personal attack on Keith Owen. However, I am of the personal opinion that a leader should not ask of others what they are not willing to do themself. If the superintendent job is really about service to the community and not about earning money or buffering a resume, then prove it. Take your own salary cut and put the money in the general fund for the district so that less hard working students and teachers have to take the brunt of these financial issues.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 5:41:53 PM
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Mindblown says...
'Local' needs to reevaluate the statement "No Child Left Behind started the mess going on here."
A huge part of the problem goes back to the Carter Era, with the creation of the N.E.A. causing Washington's stranglehold on state education through mandates. With that came unions accompanied by large pension funds.
Example: In addition to our own social security withholding, a good part of a non-governmental employee taxpayers dollars go to pension funds we will never use. I know numerous teachers and administrators who are retired at 50 years old.
While us working stiffs have paid into their pension funds and they retire early, we get stuck with social security at age 65 (maybe).
Example: Our state collects taxes, sends the money to Washington, where it shrinks due to administrative overhead, and then the remainder is returned to the states along with mandates. More bureaucracy brings less control and overall less "education" dollars to our local community. It's no wonder the schools are financially strapped.
And now some want to hand over our health care to Washington. Think people, think!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 4:43:42 PM
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MD says...
I am a student at DHS and I can guarantee you that cutting sports, music, etc would be a TERRIBLE idea. Personally, sports are a major stress reliever and without them school would be awful. The same thing goes for music/art classes. If I was stuck in core classes all day long I would seriously consider homeschooling or going to a different school, so I wouldn't recommend cutting those. Also, the district always asks parents, teachers, taxpayers etc what ideas they have about budget cuts, but they never ask the students. Ultimately, budget cuts affect us the most, so I think that we deserve to have a say in what goes on. A couple weeks ago, before he resigned, Paddy Lynch came into one of my classes and asked us what he could do for us as a school board member to make school better for us, as well as what we thought they could do for budget cuts. We all contributed ideas but almost every single one was shot down and told why it wouldn't work. Maybe the school board should pay a little more attention to what students want instead of what everyone else wants.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 4:27:16 PM
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Diana says...
OK! I understand all the conflict but if you really want to be heard either go to meetings OR go to durangoschool.org and scroll down to "Which Budget Cuts Would You Support" and answer the questions and give suggestions at the bottom.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 4:21:45 PM
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sam9Remployee says...
Why is there money being spent to fly in fresh seafood for a cooking class at the High school? Why are we spending money to have the district cooks have a cookoff in the High School kitchen on a professional day? Why do we need to spend so much money to have all these meetings? Meetings cost money, and most of them do not get you anywhere. Let the Teachers teach their class and grade their papers, instead of having so many meetings. I know a four day school week would be hard to adjust to, but it would save on food cost, fuel cost, and utility cost ( if the schools are closed and not used those days). I think many of our kids would do better if their was more time for the Teachers to go into depth on certain subjects. The short day on Fridays is just ridiculous. Not a whole lot gets done on those days. Teachers are not babysitters! There is talk about increasing the school lunch price. With the bad economy many people now qualify for free and reduced lunch, if the price goes up, then more are going to qualify which means less revenue in the end. Yes, I think administration jobs should go before Teachers. No, I do not want my child in a class of 30. Field trips are really wonderful, but they are not a necessity. Extra curricular activities such as sports, music, FFA are really very important, but the tax payer does not need to foot that cost. Every one is having to decide what is really important these days. As for the schools, I think we can all agree that having a safe place for our kids to learn is number one. Cutting non-essential programs, such as ESL, ELL, and G&T should be looked at. It is not up to the taxpayers to pay to teach english, or to provide extras for the advanced kids. Lets get back to basics!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 3:27:59 PM
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Diana says...
I have faith in our schools or my kids would not have gone to them. Fort Lewis Mesa is the best! The jump to Escalante is always a shock to the system for any 6th grade kid. I have had 3 kids in Escalante and one more to go with no problems. Two kids have graduated DHS, GRADUATED!! Good kids start at home, ask any teacher.
If cutting the bus route in our area (Hesperus, Breen, Red Mesa) is what has to be done, I have faith parents would find out who, where and when and help kids to and from school. I think taking turns is still a good idea, right? It takes a village - remember? I dont see our government officials solving this for us - do you?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 2:56:26 PM
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Baffled says...
Someone asked if the school district is 'listening'. They have been actively 'requesting' your opinions for weeks now. There is another survey thing on their website asking people to give their opinions on what to cut. Go give your opinion on their site and quite whining on here.
The level of ignorance on some of these comments is astounding. The STATE has cut the district's budget by almost 10% along with every other district. Every single district in this state is going to have problems next year. They do NOT have $10 million in the bank.. they have $3 million. Mr. Lynch was incorrect. This is not happening because the school district overspent. They are being shafted hard by the state. Write to your state representative and tell them that education funds should not be cut.
Someone also mentioned that 'somehow charter schools have been able to succeed'. Completely incorrect. Every charter school that I've ever heard of in Durango has gone belly up. And in five years I'd bet 10 to 1 that Animas High School will be gone as well.
Some of the other comments here are right on. Administration should offer to take cuts if they are serious about helping the district. And you're right, they almost certainly won't. Hopefully they will find other ways to limit spending without cutting a lot of teachers and support staff. It's a shame that they have these budget problems.. but it's a reality. Let's stop whining about things that are out of their control and do what we can to help.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 2:45:51 PM
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NotAColorButAHuman says...
Ok, "Concerned" has some good ideas, but please, let's not denigrate your comments by perpetuating inaccuracies...."I find it hard to believe that 9-Rs current superintendent is paid more than the superintendent of Albuquerque School district. We have roughly 4,000 students and they have 40,000..." Is completely false...APS has 86,000+ students and the Superintendent their makes better than 260,00.00/year.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 2:36:58 PM
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Vito S. says...
Maybe we can learn from other cities. I hope this might help. The transportation issue: I grew up in NYC. I walked to school 3/4 mile each way. This was elementary school grades kindergarden to sixth grade. I was even a safety patrol guard standing on corners to help cross fellow students. In high school grades 10-12 I walked one mile each way through low income (welfare) projects. In junior high school grades 7-9 I lived some ten miles away. Children over certain miles were given (I myself included) a bus pass. It was used free of charge for public transportation to students issued monthly. Whether it be bus or subway (trains) or combination of both. When I walked to school it was good exercise & I met & made friends with fellow students who I would not know if they were not in my class. Including people of all walks of life. Then as I turned adult & had children I lived in New Jersey. Their policy was if you were less than two miles there was no bus pick up. Eventually, they eliminaed bus pick ups because of their budget also. Most parents drove their chilren anyway to school which I see a similar pattern here also. Both my wife & I worked. So a neighbor car pooled our children to & from school. We gave them five dollars a week toward gas. No I wasn't cheap it was a fair price back in the 70's. If that parent couldn't carpool they made other arrangements with other mothers. Children, parents, neighbors, strangers got better aquainted with one another. Maybe a step back might not be such a bad idea. If NYC can do it can't we? Or are they more socialable? Let's give it shot. I hope this could help. No disharmony meant to anyone. Peace out.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 2:28:16 PM
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just a teacher says...
There are a lot of comments here talking about home schooling if busses are cut, how people did not have art and music when they were young and they turned out fine, and many other comments that lead one to believe there is little faith in our schools. It is interesting to me that almost EVERY comment on this page has at least one grammatical and/or spelling error in it. Do you all really think your education was so wonderful? Do you really think that not only could you step in and be the teacher, but the students of today do not need any of the "fluff" and only the basics. With your inability to write a paragraph without errors, what makes you sure your education better? I have my doubts. Teaching is hard work and is absolutely a job one does for love, not money.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 2:08:47 PM
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Erin says...
I attened Florida Mesa Elementry, Escalaunte Middle School and DHS...I agree with Cheryl, I too attended the ag program and we paid for everything our selves and I know that because I was the FFA Treasurer. The first place I think they should be lookin at to cut costs is to have the rest of the extra carricular activities pay for their own way. The FFA had to pay for the bus driver to take us to compotitions and ag expo, we paid for all of our hotels and food bills. Then next place is possibly some of the bus routs elementry kids can ride with high school kids and if they are a certain distance they can either walk or have their parents bring them. My mother brought me into Durango every day and we lived 45 minutes away from the high school. And if you dont want to drive then there is a thing called car pooling or public transportation. The transit stops right infront of the high school. I dont want to cut any of the bus driving jobs because my mother is a bus driver but with the shortage of drivers and all these activities maybe they should rethink taking a bus to a game expecially if the students parents are going too. Save some $ and car pool.
To Don Soloman....I went to school at DHS when Paddy was the welding teacher and I'm sorry but he shouldn't be any where near any school or have anything to do with any school district. You have to remember that this is the same man who was harrassing female STUDENTS not only in his welding class but also in the hall ways!!!!
Another way to cut costs is there doesn't need to be so may counselors in the schools. I can understand one or two in the elementries and maybe one for each grade in the midle schools and high school.there only needs to be one prinsiple and one vice prinsiple for each school. Another way isto cut back on the lunch programs if not eliminate them....kids can bring their own lunches.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 12:04:02 PM
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CJ says...
I'm sure that 80-85% of the budget is salaries. At some point in the past the dollar amount coming in from mill levies and the state match what is projected for next year. So, go back to paying and spending what matches that budget year. My income has gone down. My house value has gone down. So, this shouldn't be different for anyone else. Lower the costs! Maybe we can call this retro-budgeting.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:47:38 AM
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Concerned says...
It is really a shame that people do not take a good look at the whole picture. It is not only about current students but future students as well. Here are some examples:
Lets take a look at Sunnysides costs. How much does it cost PER STUDENT? I am sure that the cost would be very high. Now I do understand that as a parent of a student attending this school they will be concerned regarding travel time, etc. But they also need to look to the future when their student attends a high school that had to cut programs in previous years to keep that elementary school open for them this year. Would they then consider closing that same school because now their student needs to complete a certain class to get into their college of choice only now it is not offered due to budget issues? And do we really need a school within a school. Major modifications were made to the current High School for 150 or so students so that they would be able to learn in a non-traditional atmosphere. Lets face it; they will need to conform at some point in their lives. Blend them back into the regular classrooms and allow this funding to enrich the curriculum for them.
Transportation- Why not look into consolidating bus runs and coordinate start times for all school so that all levels can ride the same bus? Reduce the number of local routes where students could walk or ride public transportation (giving vouchers if needed and getting the city to make additional runs just for students). Keep those rural routes because they are truly needed.
Activities- Lets keep ALL activities on the same monetary budget. For example give each activity the same amount, such as $ 2,000. Now this would include all things required for that activity to take place: transportation, uniforms, coaches, equipment, etc. If that activitys expenses are over that, then parental/participation fees need to be in place. There are certain activities currently that parents are already paying over $100 each trimester so that their child can participate and compete. This needs to be ACROSS THE BOARD. As for those students who cannot afford that fee, then either the participation fee can be increased to accommodate those students or perhaps there would be people in the community that would sponsor them.
Salaries- With the economy the way it is, everyone has had to make adjustments whether it was from their employer or being self-employed. Salaries have remained the same or have been cut, medical insurance has been dropped, full-coverage reduced, larger deductibles added, or employee paying a portion of the monthly premium. People have been required to take days without pay (and not at a time when it was convenient for them) and attend in-services, etc. on their OWN time. I value our teachers immensely. However, if teaching were truly a passion and not just a job, then teachers should be able to make some small sacrifice for these students. As for the administration staff, I find it hard to comprehend why a High School would need 3 vice principals. If you look back 30 years there were plenty of schools with the same amount of students that had only ONE. Yes times have changed and things are different, but I am sure there are things that really could be cut in the administrative branch. I find it hard to believe that 9-Rs current superintendent is paid more than the superintendent of Albuquerque School district. We have roughly 4,000 students and they have 40,000.
Operating Costs- I am certain that every single department in this district could cut their expenses by 10%. This would include using LESS supplies, SHARING computers and secretarial services, reducing utility usage (turning down heat, turning off lights, etc), consolidating equipment, and so forth. There have been many grants available at State and Federal levels for the installation of renewable energy. Lets get serious and install PV panels on ALL of our schools to reduce their electricity consumption. Turn it into an educational process and have our technical students at the High School help with the installation and the science department use the data collected to run experiments, etc. We have mechanic and construction classes, why not PV classes?
Im not suggesting that I have all the answers, far from it. However, I do feel that EVERYONE, except STUDENTS, needs to pitch in and do what is right for THEM, not OURSELVES. Cutting curriculum programs for our students is a HUGE mistake. We are jeopardizing THEIR future. We teach our kids to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE. I think its time we ALL do the same.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:39:46 AM
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Mary Jean says...
For Pam, It's not just fuel for school buses. But maintenance of the buses, salaries to drivers, etc. It could be a big savings.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:30:43 AM
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Derek Wehner says...
Lived in this county for 39 years. I've attend school district 9-R.
I must say, educating our children is and always should be our top priority.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important. How many professional football, baseball and field and track "greats" have come from DHS ?
Cut sports or make the have just the basic budget. Cutting the agriculture program is stupid. This area is composed of ranching and farming families.
It is an essential part of their lives and our lives.
They have a ski team back when I went. Why?
Cut things that we consider leisure and entertainment keep the programs that teach skills and livelihoods.
Prepare our children for the there adult lives. When they become adults they can pursue their leisure and entertainment at their own expense.
Also like this country cut the pay off the higher ups, but not the teachers. Just like all major companies and even our government. The higher up you go the higher the paychecks. There should be a cap on the "higher ups".
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:24:14 AM
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Dave says...
Eliminating schools is detrimental to the progress of our youth and this country! Americas youth as a whole is already way behind the curve so my suggestion would be to shorten the school year by a month and increase the school day by an hour our two. Giving a child more of an opportunity to retain knowledge by increasing the time in which they can ask questions and get more one on one attention from their teacher cant be a bad thing. Saving some money without decreasing the education of students is the real goal here. You cant obtain that by increasing classroom sizes!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:17:07 AM
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Cheryl says...
Wow! Lynn these are awesome suggestions. I couldn't agree more! You hit the nail right on the head. Now, how do we get this administration to hear what we are saying, or are they going to be like all the other government(s), that are now withstanding? Are you listening District 9-R?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 11:12:03 AM
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Just the facts says...
The facts are: 9-R has a balanced budget for 9/10 including the board mandated 10% fund balance, that includes the 3% Tabor reserve.
9-R will need to cut their projected budget because the state is cutting their funding. Not because they have overspent their budget, but because the state is funding the district less next year.
So.. just like any other business or family, choices will have to be made. Unless the district receives more local money hard choices will need to be made.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 10:48:08 AM
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Lynn says...
If they cut bus service, I'd homeschool my children. Period. I live too far away to drive my kids to school and pick them up every day.
I suggest:
1. Cut administrators' salaries. Dr. Owen is getting over $100,000.
2. Cut the field trips. During the month of May, my children spend more time on field trips than in the classroom. Field trips are nice, but not critical to kids' learning. I know of a school that's going to spend $2000 for the bus to take kids to Denver. Is that necessary? No.
3. The theater program at DHS is self-supporting. Why aren't the sports programs? Other programs? If theater can be self-sustaining and still offer such an excellent program, why can't others? I suggest we make other programs self-sufficient.
4. No new taxes. 9-R was dishonest in the past when it asked for the last mill-levy by making the public think the schools were so overcrowded they had to be increased in size and, still, some schools sit with empty classrooms that we're still paying for. Sorry, don't trust 9-R when it comes to asking for more tax dollars.
5. Stop funding day-care after school.
6. Eliminate pre-school.
7. Eliminate the counseling program in elementary school. We don't need it. If kids need counseling, they should receive it outside of school.
8. Have the teachers incorporate PE and art into the classroom at the elementary level and eliminate those positions. I never had a PE teacher or art teacher in elementary school and I seemed to have done okay. We could probably eliminate the music program in elementary school as well.
9. Eliminate the health center at DHS--the kids would need to get their birth control and abortion counseling elsewhere.
10. Make 9-R live within its budget. Stop asking for more taxes.
The reason DHS is going to lose students is because it won't respond to parents' concerns so those parents started Animas high. Maybe if 9-R were more responsive to parents it wouldn't lose kids to homeschooling and charter schools.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 10:19:34 AM
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Local says...
Charter schools, when they make a profit, which is rare, are able to do so because they pay teachers a marginal salary compared to public school teachers. Charter schools are valuable for some students because of small class sizes and individualized attention, however, if 9-R was shut down, how many charter schools would be needed to educate it's 4000+ kids and still keep that level of individualized instruction? Animas High wouldn't house them. Oh and by the way, Hope and Change are recent campaign slogans- No Child Left Behind started the mess going on here.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 10:07:17 AM
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Cheryl says...
I understand what Mountain Maiden is saying, my daughter also has a 2 1/2 hour bus ride home from school. But, kids and parents need to understand, that our choice of where we live also comes with responsibility, which does not mean coddling our children. We need to hold accountability. My daughter uses her time on the bus for homework and being a responsible student. Bottom line is if bus service discontinues, so do a lot of students from outlying areas. Discontinue bus service to sporting events, unneccessary field trips. Have the administrators pay for their own gas to and from meetings wherever they go, their own hotel rooms and other frivolous services, that the District pays for.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 10:02:11 AM
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joanie says...
Diana, if the kids can't read, write, or multiply why on earth should they be playing sports, music and studing art. Lets get our priorities straight. Plus those extra curricular activities the parents can do outside of the school system. That would take parent invovement and I know how hard that is for most parents these day. What a shame we have passed our kids off to others to take care of and teach instead of the family doing that job. Didn't turn out well did it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:49:11 AM
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Disgusted says...
If the budget shortfall is about equal to one month's operational costs for the school, what about shortening the school year by one month and making up the difference by extending the daily school hours?
There are plenty of studies, and living examples, that show that both sports and music programs help wire the young brain into useful venues. Not the right place to make cuts.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:39:18 AM
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joanie says...
So how is hope and change working for you now??? Government run schools are awsome aren't they? Glad my child is out of that nightmare. Good luck raising fees and taxes as long as the admin is well paid that's all that matters. I wonder how charter schools are able to make a profit plus give kids a better education. Hum must be that private enterprise thing I've read so much about. Wish you guys the best. fight away!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:38:32 AM
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Bell says...
Again, just like our government officials, why aren't salaries being cut?!
It's always up to the "people" to figure it out while the "higher-ups" sit comfortably by watching us squirm and panic.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:22:53 AM
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sillyrabbit says...
Adding another student to each class isn't a good idea. Teachers have more administration work than ever and more students, they DON'T need another child in their classes, they need support from home because they can barely handle all the work they've been given! Remember when teachers were just suppose to teach? Now they have nothing but endless paperwork for the powers that be. Cutting extra programs, music, art, etc, including the after-school program would be a huge mistake. We don't need idle kids and some of them only stay in school BECAUSE of these programs, I know because I was that kind of kid. Whatever cutbacks are needed, considering the effect on our children should be the first and foremost priority before any decision is made. 9R Admin. needs to get it together, this didn't happen overnight.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:12:56 AM
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Hesperus commuter says...
Getting rid of some overpaid administrators would certainly help, but do you really think those people are going to vote themselves out of those cushy jobs? Making the people pay for bus service might help everyone rethink how the bus service operates - I drove my kid to school (from out where "Cheryl" lives) because he would have sat on the bus for over 2-1/2 hours a day - but I guess some people look at that as free day care. Getting rid of sports would contribute to the ongoing obesity problem - who cares if the kids are "better" educated when they are dying off in their 30s and 40s from obesity related diseases. Maybe charging for ALL extracirricular activities would help - just have "scholarships" available for those few people who REALLY can't afford to pay. Finally, maybe focusing the entire school cirriculum on teaching the kids the basics of reading, writing, math, history, etc., rather than spending a lot of money on technology and entertainment would help. Ask your kid what he did in school today and I bet he watched TV!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 9:01:23 AM
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Jeri says...
Sports, FFA and other activities play a large part in keeping students in school. Could these students do something to raise money to help support their programs? For example. FFA could sell farm related products such as bedding plants, produce...etc. Donations could be accepted. It would be a way for the community to help support these programs.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:54:26 AM
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CWaddell says...
The district recently decided that two of the elementary schools will not be allowed to accept open enrollment beginning next school year,in an effort to spread the funding around to other schools. I feel this could cause the district to lose funding that they can't afford to lose at this point,as my guess is, like me, parents will home school their children rather than place them in a new school. There are good reasons why we choose the schools our children are in now. The school that falls in our zone is completely in the opposite direction of my other children's schools and contrary to what the board believes my child DOES NOT adjust well to new kids, or teachers because he's so young and resilient. As a matter of fact it is quite the opposite. He is barely beginning to adjust to his current school and trust the staff this year. If I switch his school next year we have to start all over and quite frankly I'm not willing to go through that fight again, my child deserves stability and forcing a child to change every thing he/she has come to be comfortable with at school causes more trauma than most adults realize. If we can't figure out a way to keep my son in the same school the district can count on losing one more child which will result in losing more funding.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:42:07 AM
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Diana says...
OMG Please dont cut the sports, music, art, FFA and other EXTRAS. This is what builds our kids as people. It would be tragic for our kids to have to go to school and only study the basics and not have other things to look forward to. You think you have a drop out problem now? Take that stuff away and see what happens. There is a solution somewhere without hurting our kids in the mean time.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:18:30 AM
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mtnjoy says...
it deffinately seems that our schools are spending too much money playing chauffer, coach, cook and daycare center. it is not logical to cut teachers from an education budget!! we should stop running the buses, close the cafeterias, get rid of the free football, and shut down the afterschool daycare. it is not the reponsibility of our schools to drive, feed and entertain the children of our community..., it is their job to TEACH them!! we need to keep our teachers working and loose all of this dead weight substitute parenting.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:18:02 AM
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Dro says...
Deb,
think about it, the kids who's parents can't afford to drop them off at the front door are riding the bus. Don't you think the district should help out of those kids/families ??
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:17:12 AM
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Kathy says...
So, the cost of fuel for a bus is as much as it costs to run an entire school? Utilities, janitorial service, etc.? Fuel costs as much as all this? Really? I shudder to think about what formal education Laine Gibson had. Losing "some" savings is better than none. Scary.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:14:37 AM
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Dro says...
Ted, you don't have it straight, 9-R does not have between 3 and 10 million in the bank!! Get some facts!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:11:52 AM
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Dro says...
Never mind the facts, base your opinion on "what you hear"
If some of you folks would do a little reading, you might find out things are not as simple as you think. Most everything Paddy had to say was not based on the facts.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:10:26 AM
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Cheryl says...
Cutting bus service would actually work to decrease the amount of students to District 9-R, this is why. I live down on on HIway 140, 8 miles from the New Mexico State Line. It is 30-35 minutes to Durango. We are a feeder area to Escalante, and Durango High School. I myself, if bus service was cut, would homeschool my children again. I also know a lot of other parents out here would take the same option. Kids that attend school in District 9-R, aren't just city kids. One of the kids in the article is my daughter. Kids in the school district, aren't just city kids, that the parents can drive them to school everyday, and suggesting so, tells me that parents do not know where the students come from, from state line on both sides all the way up to Durango Mountain resort and probably passed there to the Montezuma County line towards Mancos. There would be a huge loss of students. I makes me really angry that the agricultural classes are always the ones to take the hit. The Durango High School FFA is the NUMBER 1 CHAPTER IN THE STATE!! These kids work hard and acheive at all levels of leadership competitions, SAE's, speech and National Competitions, and get literally no help or monies from the School District. They have to pay for almost all meals, gas money,to get to their competitions, the FFA Alumni, is constantly working to support an awesome group of kids that acheive very highly with little or no recognition from the School District. I think maybe if the football teams, the basketball teams, volleyball teams, were made to follow suit, this would save money as well. If you want to cut bus service, cut there. It's a proven fact that the world cannot survive without agriculture. It's to important, especially in the aspect of the "Green Effect" These types of jobs along with the welding, woodworking, and other skills jobs, are what keeps america moving, without these skills, people wouldn't have homes and so forth. There wouldn't be anyone with the knowledge. Not all kids are cut out to be doctors or lawyers. Definitely a small part of the kids in sports are going to become professional sports individuals, I'm not saying it's not important, that's how I went though school as well. Just do not cut in the wrong places. If Ag classes were cut, this would be wrong. I have never seen an individual or teacher, who cares about is students as Robert Ortiz, he spends so much time away from his family, to make sure his students and FFA members recieve the Ag education they so deserve, that the school district works to cut out. He has brought the kids to where they are and have been the last years as one of the best if not the best in the state of Colorado. The budget cuts, do not have to come from Ag areas, nor do they need to come from losing teachers either. This really needs to be focused in several other directions, like the administration that is running it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 8:02:58 AM
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Don Solomon says...
Get rid of the current board and 9-R staff. I hear Paddy might be interested in the job, and for a lot less money. A savings right there, right off the top.
These folks won't make any real cuts, just like our elected officials.....what do you expect?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:46:17 AM
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eric says...
Cut all sports programs. Education does not require sport. Busing teams hundreds of mile is ridiculous. High school sports is the biggest single waste of tax dollars.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:36:43 AM
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Deb Silverman says...
From the endless lines of soccer moms' SUVs outside schools, to the empty schools buses on the highway, looks to me like you could easily cut bus service....
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:36:10 AM
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aliittlelogicplease says...
I'm still at an utter loss to understand how a district with only 5000 students total, can somehow get into a 3 million dollar budget problem. This doesn't make sense.
I must agree with Ted. Somethings up here. This shouldn't be possible. Administration staff must be incompetent. As voters it's our responsibility to fix this.
Screw the tax hike. THROW THE BUMS OUT!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 7:09:12 AM
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Ted says...
Let me get this straight... the district has somewhere between $3-10 million saved in the bank (easily covers this shortfall) but it wants to raise my property taxes so the administration can keep their hefty salaries while cutting 25 teachers and raising class sizes?
Every year with Keith Owen it's the same old story - the sky is falling. If the sky was really falling, you'd think that the district's leadership would lead by example and substantially reduce their own salaries before asking you and me for more money or compromising the student learning experience with teacher reductions and huge class sizes. It seems to me that the district fat cats are putting their own interests above that of the most important group - the students.
What 9-R has is isn't a budget crisis... it's a failure of leadership.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 6:51:55 AM
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Dro says...
Can you imagine the hardship eliminating bus service would generate for parents that can least afford it?? It would end up costing the district money in lost student attendance.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at 3:54:08 AM
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Mary Jean says...
Decades ago, I came from a city that eliminated school bus pick ups. It saved the city a great deal of money. Something to think about.