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Published April 20, 2011, 09:08 AM

School budget cuts could mean layoffs

Based on the proposed Wisconsin biennial budget, the Hudson School District could be facing a budget deficit of around $3.4 million dollars in the coming school year.

By: Meg Heaton, Hudson Star-Observer

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Based on the proposed Wisconsin biennial budget, the Hudson School District could be facing a budget deficit of around $3.4 million dollars in the coming school year.

According to Financial Services Director Tim Erickson, that figure assumes a $2.5 million reduction in state education aids, and the elimination of more than $280,000 of a STRIVE grant along with reductions in special education and transportation aids. It also assumes $1.2 million in Wisconsin Retirement fund savings to the district, an addition of teachers for enrollment growth costing around $300,000 and zero percent change in salaries and benefits and the tax levy.

Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten called the district’s budget picture bleak and, in light of “diminishing resources and reduced budget flexibility,” the administration was regretfully recommending personnel reductions along with other budget reductions and reallocations.

While retirements and resignations will affect the net number of job losses and layoffs, the administration outlined more than $506,000 million in staff related reductions and reallocations. Among the positions and services mentioned are:

  • Elimination of the transportation specialist with duties being outsourced to Safeway Bus Company;

  • The reduction of educational assistants in special education, English as a second language, math and reading and media assistants;

  • Elimination of the vision-impaired teacher services to be replaced through CESA 11;

  • Elimination of one high school counselor with position to be reallocated to elementary or middle school;

  • A reduction in support of the alternative night school and in the new teacher mentoring program; and

  • Reductions of a HHS campus monitor, secretary and other support staff.

    The administration estimated that the district could save as much as $750,000 by bidding out for employee health insurance.

    Non-personnel reductions recommended included:

  • $300,000 in planned capital improvements to facilities

  • $165,000 from the elimination of special education out of district student placements.

  • $45,000 from reducing the purchase of textbooks, smart boards and other technology and materials.

    The total of non-personnel cuts recommended was $1.6 million. That, plus the staff reductions, would leave the district with a remaining deficit of $1.5 million for the 2011-12 school budget.

    Erickson said the administration is researching additional ways to reduce that deficit through fee increases for athletics, facility use and activities and through use of the general fund balance.

    The school board held a special meeting Tuesday evening (April 19) to act on preliminary lay-offs and staff cuts of specific employees in a closed session. Personnel Director Nancy Sweet said final action will not take place until June. She said the administration has given preliminary notification to affected employees. She added, “The district is hoping for better budget status and attrition to lessen the impact on these employees.”

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