Superintendent’s Script May 2008
by Michelle Carroll-Smith
May 15, 2008
Headlines in newspapers across the state are focusing on the school finance problems facing districts the 08-09 school year. The May 12 edition of the San Antonio Express News ran an article quoting superintendents in the area about the unfairness of a system that does not adequately fund public education. Lytle ISD is also concerned with the lack of adequate funding from the state and our ability to handle the increases in fuel and utility cost. The increase in fuel and utility cost will impact the 07-08 budget and will require use of funds from the $4 million in reserves. We are currently planning cuts for the 08-09 budget as well as using the reserves. We are fortunate to have made sacrifices and increased the fund balance to $4 million over the past 5 years. This surplus will quickly be used up without additional revenue.
The raising cost of fuel is an area of concern. Field trips and
in town bus routes will be a consideration for elimination by the
district. If we eliminate in town bus routes many more students
will be dropped off and picked up for school. The close proximity
of the campuses creates a traffic problem if all campuses start and
dismiss at the same time. Staggered start and dismissal times will
be looked at as a solution to the traffic problems. The amount of
extra curricular travel will also be an area of focus for cuts.
Sports teams have been able to attend many pre-season games and
tournaments in the past and the band has traveled to many
competitions. The academic UIL team has also been able to attend
pre-district meets in the past. Many of these events will be cut
from the budget as travel costs become prohibitive.
As budget cuts are inevitable the primary concern will be a quality
education in the classroom for all students. Lytle ISD is committed
to hiring the best educators for the classroom. Although many cuts
have to be made the classroom is the last place to look. The
efforts of the district to remain competitive in teacher salaries
have to be continued in order to maintain a quality workforce. Two
months ago the teacher salary schedule was increased for the 08-09
year. I believe this bold move by the board has resulted in fewer
resignations this year than any year in recent past. We feel
confident the district is heading in the right direction in
obtaining a quality workforce for the students of Lytle ISD.
However, with more than 80% of the budget going to salary it is
difficult to find other areas to cut within the remaining 20%. The
district will continue to explore options to increase revenue and
decrease expenses for the upcoming school year. Thank you for your
continued support.
MCS
