West Des Moines Board to Re-Evaluate Cuts

April 13, 2010

School board members in West Des Moines delayed action Monday on cutting classroom teachers and special education staff, asking for additional information and options for reducing programs.

Specifically, board members said they wanted to further explore significant administrative reductions, limiting students’ ability to take classes at Des Moines’ Central Campus and turning Phenix Early Childhood Center into a magnet school.

"The last two things I want to do are cut teachers in the classroom and raise taxes," said board member Mark Lagomarcino. "And those are the options we were presented. I want to make sure every stone is turned over before we look there."

 
Superintendent Tom Narak recommended Monday night that the board wait to vote on the budget because district leaders are revising the $1.3 million in general education reductions and another $1.7 million in cuts to special education in light of input from a public forum last week. More than 200 people showed up for it, with about 50 signing up to speak.

Another nearly 200 participated in a forum before the school board meeting Monday. About 50 parents, teachers and students spoke during the two-hour forum.

District leaders will revamp their proposal for cuts within the next week and hold public forums on a plan next week. The board will vote later this month.

"This budget is a work in progress," Narak said. "Your first plan is probably never your best, but it’s a start. We present a plan to the board and we work and develop it and then look at how we refine it."

Officials released last week two plans to reduce spending in the district’s general fund and special education fund, both of which face nearly $3 million deficits. The general fund proposal includes cutting nearly 12 full-time teachers and one full-time administrator. Also, Phenix, which is currently a two-section school, would only have one class per grade level.

The initial budget proposal had the rest of the shortfall offset through a slightly increasing property taxes and usi ng reserves.

Special education would lose 13 teachers and 45 associates for a savings of $1.7 million. The district’s program carries the largest deficit in the state and has nearly tripled since the 2004-05 school year.

After hearing from the public, Narak said district officials will look at slowing down the special education reductions and stretching them out over a longer period. Additionally, they will consider keeping a second third-grade classroom at Phenix and encouraged staff from the school to come up with innovative ways to grow enrollment.

Narak said officials will also slash $100,000 in operating expenses. Some of those savings could pay for the additional teacher at Phenix. The remainder will go to restore other reductions, he said.

Some of those who spoke Monday voiced concerns about their special-needs children, asking the board not to cut their students’ teachers and associates. Others voiced support for high school programs, such as art, and Phenix.

"For the first time in seven years, we need the public school system," said Donna Mason, who has a child in special education. "Please do not pull the rug out from under my son."