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Light Rain Schall: No program cuts next year
Lawrence gets to work on budget
An initial draft of the Lawrence School District’s proposed budget is expected to be presented at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday at Lawrence Middle School. The meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m.
The district is currently operating a $94.1 million budget, but this year’s budget season is expected to be difficult because Lawrence anticipates losing $1.5 million in state aid and $600,000 in federal grant money, according to Deputy Superintendent Gary Schall.
“We are looking at some reductions, but we will bring the budget in at a level that, given the nature of the economy, taxpayers will feel comfortable with,” said Schall, who is slated to become superintendent on July 1, replacing the retiring Dr. John Fitzsimons.
Though the 2011-12 budget is now being discussed, Schall said that the district has been focused on cost savings since last summer, and reductions in staff have saved $1.3 million. “Since July, the emphasis and effectiveness of doing these midyear reductions put us way ahead of the curve,” he said. “It was difficult when we did it, but I’m glad we did it, as other districts are looking for ways to save.”
The district laid off 27 employees and reduced the hours of another 13 staff members last month. Due to shifts in staffing and the availability of part-time jobs, however, 16 of the 27 employees who were let go are still working in the district, Schall said.
The greatest concern when cutting the budget is that educational programs and other activities such as sports, music and clubs will be lost as staff is reduced.
But Schall made this promise: “I will say this loud and clear: Lawrence will not cut any programs for next year.” He said that by “working smarter,” the district is actually looking to add a couple of clubs.
Schall noted that in the last few years there have been no cuts in the Advanced Placement program, and A.P. Calculus, considered the most rigorous A.P. class and one that attracts the attention of top-tier universities, was offered every day last semester and is being offered every other day this semester. There are 15 A.P. classes in total, he said.
