It looks like the board is ready to get rolling on their next move. Seems they have approved measures to cut programs and staff from the upcoming budget for 2009/2010. This is interesting given that just 4 short months ago this forward looking board approved 4-5% increases in wage and benefit packages for staff, in spite of the fact that we are now in a deflationary cycle with the cost of living actually declining. And what has happened to the $2M budget surplus the district carried into the 2008/2009 budget year. That’s right a surplus carried over from the 2007/2008 budget.
How can it be that in just 4 months the district’s economic position has changed from one of lavish expenditure and generous increases to one of dire need to the point of approving measures to cut programs and staff. Are the voters being punished for not passing the levy in 2007 ?
Or is the district preparing the sledge hammer that will be used to coerce voters into passing similar request this fall–in the off year election. It is truly sad that those with seniority will enjoy the wage and benefit increases while their younger colleagues will be job hunting and students will be crowding into larger class rooms.
By the way, did anyone notice that the cost for the Minnesota Miracle is more than the entire amount the State expects to get from the stimulas bill.
So the rumbling has begun and it’s time to start paying attention again….what will be next?
