Manchester schools eye cuts of at least $900,000

The Times-Union

NORTH MANCHESTER - Facing a shortfall of at least $900,000 in 2010-11, the Manchester Community School Corp. unveiled a cost reduction program Tuesday night.

According to information presented to the school board, the shortfall was caused by state cutbacks in funding, the state taking over all schools' general funds, the state's elimination of property tax revenue for schools and the state "not making good" on financial funding for programs like all-day kindergarten.

"There is no sense in this at all," said Dr. Diana Showalter, superintendent. "It makes no sense to me whatsoever in terms of education. ... The things we are being asked to do don't make sense. Not for us, and definitely not for the kids."

So far, the school has eliminated 15 positions and reduced the hours of seven other employees and enacted energy-saving practices. Also, a reduction in force list is being compiled in case teachers need to be cut at the end of the year.

Several cost-reducing measures were unveiled and proposed Tuesday night.

For the 2010-11 school year, the biggest changes proposed involve buildings and their upkeep. In the plan, students in grades seven and eight will be moved to the Manchester High School Building, and a portion of the Manchester Junior High School building will be closed.

With this proposed configuration, kindergarten through fourth grades will be housed in the Manchester Elementary School building; grades five and six will stay at Manchester Intermediate School, and grades seven through 12 will be housed primarily in the Manchester High School building. This change could save the school corporation $50,000.

According to a presentation given by Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter and Business Manager Steve Shumaker, having students in grades seven through 12 "in one building allows students to access teachers and classes matching ability levels" and allows for the "most efficient use of teacher and student time (with) less traveling between buildings." It also allows the food service to be done all in one building and makes better use of textbooks and other resources.

Also, cutting one counselor position and one administrator position could reduce the budget by $150,000.

The school system will change from its current trimester grading system to a semester grading system. Also, the number of secondary teachers will be reduced by four or six positions. Considering teaching, custodial and office staff, this change could could result in a savings of $200,000.

The changes proposed for the 2010-2011 school year could total $400,000.