Gilbert Schools Facing Cuts
April 15, 2010
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board has agreed informally to some budget cuts recommended by the administration, including more than $1.7 million in cuts and changes in special-education programs, staffing and staff hours.
District administrators at a work/study session this week revealed more details about the impact of what they called "program adjustments" that the board is considering.
Some of the proposals could be taken off the table if voters on May 18 approve a temporary, statewide one-cent sales tax increase.
The increase would affect the amount of state funds the district would receive per student for instruction and spending on soft capital items such as textbooks and buses.
However, some of Gilbert’s cuts may be implemented regardless of the vote outcome because of a looming deficit of at least $4 million. Those proposed cuts include program changes and cutbacks to special education.
The district wants to:
* Adopt a different educational approach for high school special-education students, which would ensure they spend most of their day in classes with general-education peers. Savings: $562,700.
* Create a daylong special-education program at Gilbert Junior High for 24 students that the district has been sending to private schools for special-education services. Savings: $191,214.
* Cut back on resource aides’ hours at the junior highs. Savings: $163,750.
* Reduce elementary special-education aides’ hours. Sa vings: $574,027.
* Eliminate one licensed practical nurse position and reduce instructional aides’ hours for programs such as one that SCILLS, which helps special-education students learn some adult life skills, and the Youth Transition Program. Savings: $196,780.
The board has yet to vote on the proposed cuts. It is expected to approve a tentative plan by the end of the month so the district can notify teachers about potential layoffs before the GPS notification deadline of May 1.
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Proposed cuts
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board so far has raised no objection to making $1.7 million in changes and cuts in special education but it has not voted on this or any other cuts.
Board members said they oppose increasing parking fees and athletics fees for students unless voters in May reject the temporary one-cent sales tax.
The board also informally agreed this week to these proposed cuts and program changes:
* Cut 14 elementary school teachers. Savings: $646,945.
* Keep high school class sizes at an average
of 27 students per teacher and increase teaching staff at Campo Verde High School as it adds
a junior class. Savings: $1.5 million.
* Cut preschool from five days a week to four days. Savings: $319,800.
* Switch e-mail providers. Savings: $81,000.
* Reduce the number of certified elementary school teachers and aides’ hours for English-
language programs which assist students who aren’t fluent. Savings: $268,600.
* Cut the partial month payment to the retirement benefits provider, GPS Trust. Savings: $500,000.
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If the sales tax proposal fails, the district would:
* Cut four high school security guards. Savings: $92,748.
* Share fewer maintenance staff between multiple campuses. Savings $146,691.
* Cut back on district support staff. Savings: $85,746.
* Leave vacant an opening for an advanced learning program coach. Savings: $67,425.
* Reduce mail costs to schools. Savings: $55,000.
* Adjust staffing for elementary school aides. Savings: $287,242.