Posted: Feb. 23, 2010 |(0) Comments

Germantown — As district officials attempt to eliminate a $583,000 operating deficit for next school year, parents are asking for space relief at Amy Belle Elementary School, and the price tags for some of the options aren't cheap.

The least expensive option, according to data presented by officials at Monday's School Board meeting, is the creation of a second shared-boundary area between Amy Belle and Rockfield Elementary School. As part of the plan, eight Amy Belle first-graders would go to Rockfield next year as second-graders. That would create three sections of 23 second-graders at Amy Belle, where counts are expected to be one section of 25 and two sections of 26.

The move would create some equity in class sizes between Amy Belle and Rockfield as Rockfield would go from two sections of 18 second-grade students to two sections of 22.

The price tag on this option ranges from about $5,000 to $12,000 because of potential busing changes.

The other options, which are fraught with complications, range from purchasing or leasing two new modular classrooms and building a four-classroom addition at Amy Belle. Complications include zoning code changes, septic upgrades and funding. The price tags range from a low estimate of $137,700 to lease new modular classrooms to more than $949,000 for the addition.

An option to purchase used modulars, which would range from $174,300 to $290,000, is on hold because of the lack of availability.

Any additional costs likely would add to the deficit.

Class sizes growing

Officials also are working on a proposal to change elementary school boundary lines, which could affect all four district elementary schools. After the board reviews the lines, officials will hold a public hearing prior to April 15 to get feedback on that option.

Board member Bruce Warnimont had asked for the redistricting option, although officials say the lines might have to be redrawn more than once in 10 years, maybe every three years.

His concern is the efforts of trying to solve the problem at one school, when a few new families in other attendance areas would result in space problems at those schools.

"You shouldn't move children around like cattle," Warnimont said.

Superintendent Kenneth Rogers said the board could change the policy on class sizes so schools aren't going beyond the guidelines, or pursue the alternatives.

Projections for next year put two classrooms at three of the schools and one classroom at the fourth school beyond the district's class size policy.

"We don't have a lot of room at other schools," Rogers said.

But, Amy Belle parents have been begging for relief since August. The board this summer decided to add a third section of kindergarten at Amy Belle and in September increased instructional aide staffing at all four elementary schools.

Layoff deadline looms

District officials are basing next year's budget on current staffing levels - 291 employees, or a full-time equivalency of 283.78. The board Monday approved contract renewals for 278 employees, or an FTE of 274.28. The difference is attributed to retirements and limited-term contracts.

Currently, officials plan to fill those spots, if they can find other ways to balance the budget.

"We really hope we can balance the budget without a reduction in (work)force," Rogers said, referring to layoffs.

By state statute, the district needs to issue preliminary layoff notices by Feb. 28, followed by final notices March 15. However, the teachers' contract includes an extension, calling for preliminary notices by May 15 and final notices by June 1.

The board is expected to vote on some pieces to the puzzle - taking a look at some enrollment numbers and staffing needs - at its March 8 meeting.

Fees may increase

Officials are hoping to generate some revenue to avoid cuts and fund new purchases.

While general fees for students are expected to remain the same next year, parking at Germantown High School could go up $30 to $150. This would generate $11,620.

The district also is considering a districtwide fee to fund emergency phone calling software. The fee would be $2 per student and generate about $8,000.

The software would allow the district to purchase a system to notify parents of such things as school closings and early release.

But, "It's not free," Rogers said.

The board is expected to vote on the fee increase and new fee next month.