By JUDY SHERARD

jsherard@dailynews.net

RUSSELL -- Though Russell USD 407 is one of the school districts that would be held harmless and receive the same amount of state aid under Gov. Sam Brownback's school finance plan, it doesn't mean they won't have to make tough decisions.

Declining enrollment and cuts in state aid have meant smaller budgets the last several years.

Board of education members and administrators hosted two special meetings this month to share information and get public input about the district's financial outlook.

The second meeting was Monday night at Ruppenthal Middle School.

"We don't want to sacrifice curriculum, but we have to deal with declining enrollment, so it's a juggling act to figure out how you maintain curriculum, more course offerings with less money," said Jerry Brown, board of education president.

Superintendent David Couch and the board have prepared several facilities consolidation scenarios, which could result in closing one or more buildings. But Couch emphasized no decisions have been made.

The district has grades K-2 at Simpson Elementary School, grades 3-5 at Bickerdyke Elementary School, 6-8 at Ruppenthal and 9-12 at Russell High School.

"We have a very good alignment right now," Couch said. "If we can keep it, that would be great."

Closing Simpson or Ruppenthal would save approximately $150,000, the equivalent of three or four teachers, he said.

It wouldn't solve all of the district's problems, but could save jobs or programs.

No change will be made until the 2013-14 school year.

"We're not rushing through this process," Couch said.

However, he admits if enrollment continues to decline, unless funding increases, the district will have to make changes.

"There's no way to continue to absorb losses and continue to operate the way we have," Couch said.

Besides getting public input, structural engineers have toured the district buildings looking for ways to adapt them to accommodate consolidation, and Kansas Association of School Board officials also have been called for a recommendation, Couch said.

Cuts during the past several years have included reducing positions, including an assistant superintendent and librarians, eliminating summer school and going from full-day to half-day kindergarten. The school day also was lengthened by 30 minutes to cut 17 days of classes, saving $70,000.

Teachers have received one-time bonuses rather than raises.

"A $1,000 bonus isn't the same as a $500 a year raise," Couch said. "We've been making sacrifices for the last several years."

Renelle Mooney, the parent of a first-grader and sixth-grader, said patrons appreciate the opportunity to be part of the process.

"We know financial issues are driving the forums. ... We ask that curriculum be at the forefront in your decision making process. ... Education is your business," she said.

Crystal Walton, whose family includes five children from preschool age to a high school junior, suggested parents pay for their child to play a sport.

"I know it wouldn't be much, but it would help," she said. "I'd be willing to pay more to ensure they get a good education and (you) don't cut any more."