BOE talks cuts, takes no action
Published on -7/7/2009, 12:50 PM
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By RYAN CHRISTNER
After receiving news last week of another 2-percent cut to public education funding from the state, Hays USD 489 administrators might be one step closer to knowing how much money they'll have to work with this fiscal year. But Monday night's school board meeting provided no definitive picture for what will be done to make up for their losses.
Again presented with a list of possible reductions to services and staff positions to cover cuts from the Legislature, as well as new information regarding the $220,000 decrease announced Thursday by Gov. Mark Parkinson, school board members have yet to vote on budget adjustments beyond the nearly $400,000 it saved in April after approving a measure to eliminate summer school and not fill vacant staff positions.
The new recommendations given last night include adding a $250-per-semester fee to the full-day kindergarten program, closing off two more certified staff positions and reducing the usage of substitute teachers in all district buildings.
Elaborating on those suggestions, Superintendent Fred Kaufman said full-day kindergarten would not be mandatory to parents, only those who would be willing to pay the extra fee.
The reduction of substitute teachers, he added, most likely would be handled differently in each building.
"We'll hold each principal to reducing their use of substitute teachers by 10 percent," Kaufman said. "At Hays High, that may be putting some children ... in a study hall. At the elementary (level), it may mean dividing the class up between two or three other sections of the same class. At the middle school, it might be sending students to the library."
The many budget fluctuations that have occurred throughout the past year often have resulted in comments by district administrators who are critical of the Legislature for not adequately funding education. But not all board members believe the fault for the district's current situation lies solely in Topeka.
Commonly at odds with district leaders for their handling of the budget shortfalls, Greg Schwartz again blasted administrators for not having created contingency plans.
"Why are we always having to play catch-up?" Schwartz asked Monday. "Every time that these cuts come up, we're never prepared."
Schwartz harkened back to his request months ago to have administrators and school principals create prioritized lists of district programs and services that could be adjusted should state funding be reduced.
Such lists never were provided to the board, and now many other money-saving options no longer are available, he said.
"We've already approved the administrator's contracts, which we did back in February and March, and the superintendent asked us to approve those and, mind you, extend those for an extra year," Schwartz said. "We've approved the (National Education Association) agreement, which we don't have any ability now to go back and re-negotiate that. We took off the table any staff-reduction plan because we didn't act before May 20. And now, we're sitting here and we're looking at all the things we can cut.
"All of them affect students and none of them are for their best interest."
Making a motion to decrease the salaries of all district superintendents, principals and directors by 10 percent, Schwartz said the board has not looked at any cuts to administration.
Kaufman countered that argument by reiterating one administration position is being decreased this year. That change, and all of the other recommended modifications, will create extra duties that will then be picked up by the administration that remains.
Schwartz's motion eventually was voted down, but a second to have financial information about such a pay reduction be provided to the board was approved.
Schwartz said he would be "embarrassed" if he was an administrator who had presented the kinds of proposals that have been made, and also lashed out at the school board at large for not making time to come up with solutions.
"This board should be ashamed of the job they've done," he said. "If we're not willing to sit down and spend the time to address this ... I think everybody on this board ought to look at (resigning)."
The board had a lengthy agenda Monday. In other business:
* The board elected new leadership. Sharon Befort will serve as board president for the next year, while Alan Moore was appointed vice president.
* New school lunch prices were set, as the board approved the recommendation for a 10-cent across-the-board cost increase in food costs.
* Negotiated agreements with the local chapter of the Service Employees International Union was approved. The agreements include a list of calendar holiday breaks for 2009-10, which includes two additional paid days, the alteration of employee sick leave to allow for one additional personal day and a freeze on salaries for the fiscal year.
* A revised school calendar -- reflecting a negotiated change with the Hays NEA to eliminate spring parent-teacher conferences -- was approved. The 2009-10 school calendar ends two days earlier than originally planned.
* The board got its first look at preliminary budget figures, as Superintendent of Finance Richard Cain presented a form with the estimated legal maximum general fund budget.
Cain said the nearly $15 million general fund estimation is slightly deceiving, as some possible unlikely enrollment increases were built into calculations.
The figure is more than $600,000 less than last year's numbers, which is below the $770,000 the district knows it has lost from its current budget.
what message does this send kids? will those that can't afford all day be punished or behind? not fair to the kids, that is for sure. why punish kindergarteners and/or their parents? please make sure u tell everyone about this and they voice their concerns also!
(Posted by: concerned parent)
Interesting: 7/14/2009
I believe if you go back to several meetings ago, when Mr. Schwartz was talking about being proactive and making itemized cuts, one of the items he mentioned was full day kindergarten. His response was if the state isn't funding it, maybe it should be looked at to be cut. Now, he wants to look like a big shot and stand up for the little guy for kindergarten. Some things he says makes sense as do all of the board members, however, if they do not like the way the district is headed get rid of Fred. However, they just agreed to extend his contract, so I believe they must think he's doing a good job. If that's the case, let him do his job and manage the school district the way all superintendents do in the state. Cuts are hard to deal with, but no matter where they are cut, someone is not going to be happy. Greg, quit trying to show off and do some homework, make valid points and quit trying to fight everything. Cutting administrators salary will probably mean that a lot of good administration will leave. It appears that our district has done very well the past several years. I feel for our district if we end up letting several very good leaders slip away.
(Posted by: concernedforHays)
Pay Cuts: 7/14/2009
It's so sad to see this all happen again. The legislature cuts school funding and the patrons beat up on the school district. At what point in time is the citizenry of this state going to hold the politicians in Topeka responsible for meeting the constitutional mandate for funding schools? The forefathers of our state knew the value of a good education, in fact it is the only thing required to be funded by the state in our constitution. You will be glad to know that your legislature this year even proposed exempting hunting and fishing excursions from sales tax. That's right they thought tax exempt vacations were more important than your children's education. It's the legislature who does not care about our kids. It's time you start calling them and demanding that they fund our schools.
(Posted by: EdSupporter)
Cuts: 7/11/2009
I really hope they do not drop to half day kindergarten!!! I have a son who was lucky enough to have 2 years of preschool prior to all day kindergarten along with several of his classmates. I was a parent volunteer in the classroom many many times and it was very easy to see those who had prior experience and those who did not. Do you people understand what these kids have to know for the state assessments in 3rd grade – way more then we did as kids and it is stressful!! By not providing that basic foundation of education we will only hurt ourselves. More and more kids will fall behind! Yes I went to half day kindergarten BUT I also did not have to learn everything they have to learn by 3rd grade for testing! I have a daughter who will be starting kindergarten in 2 years – if half day is where the district is heading I am especially thankful I have her in a preschool (which is VERY hard to get into any preschool in Hays – there is just not enough spots) to learn the skills she will need to succeed in school! So what are they going to do with 25 kids in the morning and 10 in the afternoon who paid to stay? Does not make much since to me to pay a teacher for all day with a reduced number of kids! If you go to half day will they cut the number of students per classroom down so that few kids are in each section and then have AM and PM classes? I really believe that elementary education should not be touched – it is the core! But I understand that we all must do our part to help with the cuts. Why can’t coaches salaries be cut as well, why can’t athletes pay to play? YES, athletics are important – I played sports as a student, but I also think education is much more important and should not to be paid for! Let the BOE know what you think – not just on this site but with a letter or phone call to them! Simply let them know your concerns – good and bad – and ask them to do what is best for the kids! The are the most important part of all this!
(Posted by: Mom of 2 kids)
Kindergarten Choice WONDERFUL!!!: 7/10/2009
First of all, let me say that lots of testing shows that kids that go to full-day Kindergarten are ahead of those that don't, but ONLY during K and 1st grade, NOT LONGTERM!! That's why many other places in KS shot down the vote to add full-day K last year. Also, many many other places in the state do not even OFFER all-day K, like Salina for instance. What people have LOST SIGHT OF is what's best for the children. Do these 5 year olds REALLY need 7 hours of school a day, especially when (given my recent K grad's schedule from last year) they are only being INSTRUCTED for 2.5-3 hours a day. The rest is recess, lunch, and specials, which are in my opinion wonderful, fun things, BUT not NECESSARY at that age. So being given the option of 1/2 day K, I'll take it for my other children, but my main concern is, will the 1/2 day kids be put together or is my kid the only one in a class of full-day kids that "doesn't get to stay and play?" Again, in my OPINION, I think full-day K started out as a great idea in theory, but no one wants to admit that it really didn't turn out as well as we'd hoped and now parents have gotten used to USING it as daycare. As for the concern about needy families paying the $250/semester, it's WAY cheaper than those parents would pay sending those kids to childcare elsewhere .As for those complaining about paying, you don't HAVE to send them all day~ take care of them yourself! MORE SCHOOL doesn't necessarily mean BETTER SCHOOL! I'm so glad Hays will finally have a choice!
(Posted by: Hays Mom )
kdg: 7/9/2009
I think those who are upset at the idea of paying for kindegarten should look back several years. I would have LOVED to have had that option. Before our district started offering this freebie, I had to spend my lunchbreak picking up my morning kindergartener and shuttling her to a babysitter, who charged far more than $250 a semester. If the state won't pay the other half, perhaps the district should just send them all home like they used to.
(Posted by: Mom)
Complaints: 7/9/2009
I would suggest that instead of anonymously (except Amy) complaining on a HDN blog, you folks give the school board and USD 489 a phone call and voice your concerns.
(Posted by: Toby Prine)
Kudos and Shame: 7/9/2009
First of all, kudos to those of you who are reading the articles and posts and taking the time and effort to voice your own opinions and concerns. Second of all, before we start to criticize any board member (regardless if they are active or passive) let us remember how they got to their seat...they were voted in! Their seats come up for re-election and if you are not satisfied with the job they are doing, then don't elect them. I know for a fact that the administrators of 489 do not do their jobs to fulfill each of their job descriptions. I also know for a fact that Fred has been made aware of the faults of the administration and has not done anything to 'punish' them for their wrong doing. Also, should we revisit the editiorial about the administrators playing basketball on the taxpayer's dime while the teachers were doing their jobs? There are superintendents in this state who make less money than Fred and have voluntairly taken salary cuts for the benefit of their districts. I don't believe that the people of Hays will ever wake up to what is happening in the ranks of the school district, nor do I think enough people will care enough to make the necessary changes and tbat is a shame for this community.
(Posted by: Educator/Parent)
Focus on the issues: 7/9/2009
Does it matter where Greg Schwartz sends his kids to school? He is still the one out there fighting for the kids in this district and not the fat cat administrators. Did you hear any other board member speak out against the plan to charge for kindergarten? It is refreshing to see a board member do the right thing and not have to have something to gain from it personaly. Look at all the other board members who they themselves or their spouses receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the district by way of contracts. If you want to attack board members you should start to look at all of them.
(Posted by: )
Private school: 7/9/2009
yes, it's true. I wish those who "idolize" this man would take a step back and ask themselves "does he follow up his words with action?" My understanding is that the follow-up meetings outside of Monday nights he fails to show up to at least 50% of the time. It's easy to spew forth on a Monday night, asking questions that cause the viewers to applaud and watch for the "blow-ups," but what about his own actions in trying to find solutions to these issues? Other board members who have jobs attend these outside meetings, many which Mr. Schwarz himself calls for. To me, Mr. Schwarz is just another politician, all rhetoric for the public eye, but no follow-through.
(Posted by: Frustrated with all of it)
greg's kids: 7/8/2009
Is it true that Greg Schwartz sends his kids to a private school in hays????
(Posted by: Don't know for sure....)
Kindergarten: 7/8/2009
I have a child going into kindergarten and she is fortunate to have parents who will be able to pay the $250.00. My concern is for those who aren't able to pay its not fair to those children, they are losing out and it makes me mad that the superintendent can say things like "a parent doesn't have to send the child to all day kindergarten". It shows he has no compation for those who struggle everyday and I guess how would he know, he makes a good salary and doesn't have to worry about it! And I agree with Greg he seems to be the only one thinking about the children and whats in their best interest!!!
(Posted by: Kindergarten mom and concerned citizen)
Greg Schwartz: 7/8/2009
Where do Greg's go to school?
(Posted by: just wondering....)
GO GREG!: 7/8/2009
I agree with almost all of you in that Greg Schwartz is the ONLY one standing up for what is right. Yes, he says what is on his mind but if he doesn't, who else will? I can tell you NO ONE ELSE on the BOE is going to stand up for our kids. Take your personal hates out of the picture, and ask yourself.. who on the BOE is actually wanting to be PROactive? Greg. that's it. I had to laugh when I read that the Superintendents and Principals took care of "themselves" already. If they were truly here for the kids and not in it for the money, then they would themselves, offer to take a pay cut until usd 489 is back on its feet. I hate to see cuts happen when we already know that all day kindergarten is an extremely POSITIVE and PROVEN part of education. How sad the kids are the ones who suffer. SHAME on everyone on the BOE, except for Greg Schwartz.
(Posted by: Educator/Concerned Citizen/Parent)
: 7/8/2009
REALIST: The preschools in Hays are parent funded NOT funded by the school. I pay 185 a month to send my child to preschool and it is NOT what i would consider babysitting!!!!!!!!!!
(Posted by: )
half day kindergarten: 7/8/2009
I can't believe that they want to take the foundation out of the education system. By taking kindergarten down to a half day program, How in the world do you think the students are going to be ready for state assessments by 3rd grade if you are affecting their education early on????? What are you thinking????
(Posted by: concerned in Ellis county)
FOR STARTERS: 7/8/2009
For starters, 1. Reduce all salaried employees (except maintenance) 3 1/2 %. 2. reduce non-academic budgeted activities..5 %. 3. Eliminate pre-school from budget (BABY SETTING).
(Posted by: REALIST)
: 7/8/2009
I completely agree with athletics having to pay if kindergarten has to pay. However, Greg is the only one standing up and saying they are not doing an adequate job and to cut the pay of administrators. Why should he resign?
(Posted by: Parent/Student/Educator)
BOE: 7/8/2009
Isn't it funny that Mr. Schwartz always has so many answers after the fact? I get so tired of him trying to belittle others, while constantly building himself up. His personal vendetta and self endorsements get very old in a tough economy. Everyone is frustrated that education continually takes the first hits in government budget cuts, while at the same time expecting great assessment scores...
(Posted by: Concerned citizen)
SEIU & NEA UNIONS: 7/7/2009
Thank you Mr. Schwartz for at least trying to stand up to Kaufman these unions. Shame on the rest of the board for giving into their demands year after year. If the school year gets any shorter we parents might as well home school our kids.
(Posted by: Fed up)
: 7/7/2009
The chickens have finally come home to roost in USD 489. Big time. Years and years of too many administrators and directors--especially in the front office. Being paid entirely too much. One by one, look at who's responsible for the economic mess we're in on the national level. Ever see "the little guy" being grilled by a Congressional panel? No, by-and-large it's just the bigshots.
(Posted by: Not Fooled)
Superintendant cuts: 7/7/2009
How bout cutting the superintendants salary, all he had to argue and wine about was again not to cut his salary, but affect parents who are having a hard time as it is paying for school related issues. Us honest and hard working parents along with their children are the ones getting punished here and its a shame that all he cares about is his salary and making sure it doesn't get cut. And this is the guy we have leading our board, what a joke.
(Posted by: Another Kindergarten Dad)
cuts: 7/7/2009
For 16 years our district has offered all-day kindergarten and the state of Kansas has never moved to help pay the extra expense. They send HALF the money for a kdg student as they do for any other student. The rest must be paid by the local taxes. If the state won't pay for the extra expense, what is wrong with the parents paying for it? Another choice is to have only half day kdg, and the parents could find daycare for the other part of the day. That will certainly cost more AND you will not have a certified teacher taking care of your child. When the local voters rejected the additional LOB last spring, perhaps they should have thought about the effect that $180,000 has on the school system.
(Posted by: JSK)
Vote for the resignation of Greg Schwartz: 7/7/2009
First I would like to suggest Greg Schwartz RESIGN!!! It seems he is the only one prohibiting the BOE from making any real strides. Asking the teachers for a pay cut at the public forum was my last straw! That should be the Last Option. Shame on the HDN's for glorifing him. Maybe if the paper had done a better job of educating people on the LOB the school board wouldn't be having these heated discussion now.
(Posted by: My Name is Amy M. Wasinger (not the teacher))
Why Just the Kindergarten Class?: 7/7/2009
Why should we just punish the kindergarten class, Shouldn't the whole school have to deal with the budget cuts, not just the kidergarten. I wish you all would have all listened to Greg in the first place, and maybe we wouldn't be in this situation at all. You can't say you didn't see this comming!!!!!!
(Posted by: Future Kindergarten Dad)
Learning gap??: 7/7/2009
What about the kids who don't pay for full day? They will be far behind the kids who attend full day. I'm sure there are other programs that can be cut or made "pay to play".
(Posted by: former teacher)
Schwartz: 7/7/2009
If only we had a few more Greg Schwartz's on our school board Hays would be a much better shape. I think he is the only one who is looking out for our children and the tax payers dollar. Thank you Greg for all that you do and keep up the good work!
(Posted by: mom)
Kindergarten: 7/7/2009
As a parent willing to do what is best for my child, I would rather have the option of paying for full day kindergarten then have him only in a half day of school.
(Posted by: )
TAKES NO ACTION: 7/7/2009
We should give all the BOE members a raise! Apparently, they will have important decisions to make as well as the OVER PAID USD 489 administration will have to make. Want to watch a REALITY SHOW IN HAYS KS. , listen to Mr. Hammond intellegently speak about FHSU budget , then listen to the FREDDIE SHOW. Rich, thank God you do'nt have to make life threatening choices. It would harm other people and your EGO! Great job Greg,the rest of you OWE TAX PAYERS MONEY!!!!!!!!
(Posted by: )
: 7/7/2009
Greg Schwartz should go ahead and resign. He's the one who is counter productive to the board and was a product of the Hays public education system. The board already did not hire positions it had open which is hurting the kids by increasing class sizes. Remember that all day Kindergarten is not mandated by the state, nor paid for through state funding. $500 a year is not a bad deal, except that people already pay taxes to fund education and only those with money will be able to pay for the all day program, thus only the "rich" get to have their children get extra help. The district should be willing to help all families equally. I understand having to make cuts, but how is cutting summe school going to help us stay within the AYP targets in the next couple of years? I would challenge those who don't like what the board does to run for the board and for those who don't like the administrators and teachers to go back and get your degrees and get into teaching. Come up with solutions not be a part of the problem by complaining.
(Posted by: Unbiased for Hays)
Sports fees: 7/7/2009
Any parent of an athlete at the secondary level can tell you they already pay to play. Most spend anywhere from $300 to $500 to help with fund-raising, pay for camps, warm-ups, even assistant coaches' salaries, etc. No need to worry that the elementary is the only level getting "the shaft." Also, do you realize that all-day kindergarten is a luxury--the state adds no money to a local's budget to pay for the additional half-day in teacher pay, lunch, plus the extra in materials. This district believes in early childhood education, thus providing this service for many years at its own cost. And for those of you listening, "talk is cheap." Have you ever looked at those board members in attendance at the extra board meetings called for any discussions, building tours, planning or budget talks. You'd be surprised...not the one you think. Yes, the board should be more proactive, but before calling for resignations, making deragatory comments about issues which you clearly do not have all the facts, do our students a favor, and show them how to react in a more unbiased manner. Get the facts, attend the meetings, ask questions.
(Posted by: Budget woes affect all)
: 7/7/2009
I already fund my childs preschool now I have to fund the Kindergarten......dont you think that is a bit much? Is early education the only place to cut costs? I think NOT!!!!
(Posted by: pre school and kindergarten MOM)
: 7/7/2009
I am grateful for Greg Schwartz feels such a responsibility to our schools and students. He is right when he says we should have been proactive and not playing catch up! Granted, his tone and attitude could be better, but he truly cares about the children.
(Posted by: Parent/Student/Educator)
: 7/7/2009
The head line says it all. BOE talks, No action. This could be the head line for most any 489 meeting
(Posted by: )
: 7/7/2009
Yes, The administration and most of the school board should be embarrassed with the job they have done. Greg is the only one that is willing to make meaningful cuts. ---Good job Greg, shame on the rest of you --
(Posted by: )
$250 fee for kindergarten?: 7/7/2009
As a parent of an incoming Kindergarten student, I'd be glad to pay $250 for my daughter's all day schooling IF and ONLY IF every high school football, basketball, baseball, swimming, volleyball, cross-country and all the other sport parents pay $250 PER SPORT to participate. Let's find some ACADEMIC focus here - and I agree with Greg Schwartz - HE should be the FIRST to resign!!!
(Posted by: Kindergarten Dad)
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