E-B brainstorming for cost-savings solutions

Declining enrollment means shrinking budget

By LORI FAYBIK, Courier correspondent

EDDYVILLE — The Eddyville-Blakesburg school board brainstormed solutions this week to a declining enrollment and shrinking budget following the news he district saw a drop in certified enrollment of nearly 36 students this year.

Superintendent Dean Cook pointed out that declining enrollment has been a trend throughout rural Iowa in recent years. In fact, according to figures provided by Cook, school districts within the Great Prairie AEA are facing enrollment losses of more than 700 students this year.

This trend has been ongoing with losses reported over the past several years. Cook added that in the mid 1990s, E-B had an enrollment of more than 900 students; that number is down to just under 700 this year.

Of course a declining enrollment means a shrinking budget since schools receive funding on a per pupil basis. That coupled with state cuts in funding due to the economic downturn has districts scrambling to keep schools running smoothly.

Cook noted that the district has been able to do well so far due to a healthy cash reserve, however, that fund won’t last forever if the district has to dip into it too much.

Originally when the state announced a 10 percent across the board cut to funding, E-B had hoped to rely completely on cash reserves to prevent any cuts within the district. However, Cook said the district’s attorney has advised cutting teacher quality funds — the one cost the district is now considering cutting since that funding was cut by the state.

Cook pointed out that the district has continued paying teachers $84,000 in “Phase” funds even though the state cut that funding as well.

“We are receiving 10 percent less money but we are covering it at this time. It is about how do we fix what we have been dealt,” said Board President Ed Glenn.

Noting that another 10-16 percent cut in state funding is projected for next year, Cook said, “I think we need to look at cutting a minimum of $400,000 to $500,000.”

The district is still considering moving the middle school from Blakesburg to Eddyville. The board has set up a committee to study the issue to determine what savings could be seen and if it would be good for the district.

“We have got to get to the point where we use our facilities to the maximum potential,” Cook said.

Cook told the board that there is a lot of under utilized space in the elementary school and suggested that the middle school could be moved there.

He explained that there is extra room in the day care building, preschool and kindergarten classes could be moved into that building, the remaining classes could be shifted around in the elementary. This would free up the south wing for middle school space. Cook said he is also looking into space at the high school.

“We need to look at if it makes sense cost wise and serving kids wise,” said Glenn.

But changes that need to be made have to happen quickly.

“If we have to lay off anyone we need to know by the end of March or beginning of April,” Cook said.

“I think it is an awful lot to ask and have it done by April,” said Board Vice President Deb Bahr.

“Problem is where are you going to find $500,000 to cut? You know we’ve lost the students,” said Board member David Friedman. “You are going to have to look at extra-curriculars and things other than education. They are a great opportunity for kids but can we afford them? We used to not have ninth-grade teams.”

Cook agreed saying that the entire conference may end up looking at discontinuing ninth grade teams and going back to just varsity/junior varsity.

Another cost savings measure may be offering early retirement to teachers and/or possibly updating the high school’s HVAC system for better energy use management.

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