Lytle ISD Is Not Broke
by Michelle Carroll-Smith,Superintendent
June 03, 2009
Unfortunately on May 12 a San Antonio TV station aired a news report stating Lytle ISD is broke. I spoke to the news editor in charge and questioned why they would run something like that without the facts.
Why would they report something without talking to any school official? She apologized and agreed to speak to someone with knowledge before reporting in the future. She asked if I would like to make a comment and I said “yes, we are not broke.”
The situation the district faces is making cuts to the 09-10 budget in an effort not to use up the reserves or fund balance. The district has three months operating expenses in reserves and would like to maintain that if possible.
The board has met and will meet several more times to discuss ways to balance the budget. Although no employees are being laid off at this time, several positions are being cut. In order to balance the budget the following positions are cut for the 09-10 school year: High School - journalism teacher, and one paraprofessional; Jr. High - PE teacher, technology coach, Spanish teacher, journalism teacher, and a learning zone teacher; Elementary - ½ G.T. teacher, ½ reading interventionist teacher, ½ technology coach, 1 paraprofessional; Primary - ½ PE teacher, reading interventionist teacher, ½ technology coach, and 1 paraprofessional. The operations department is cutting one maintenance worker and two custodians. Central office personnel will be cut by one clerk position.
Other cuts include track repairs, roof repairs, athletic supply budget, and general supply budget. The transportation department is cutting expenses with the split start times for next year. This will alleviate the need to purchase two new buses for next year. In addition, this will cut back on the number of drivers needed and cut the amount of overtime required to run all the current routes.
Although these cuts are being looked at, the budget will still operate at a deficit for the 09-10 school year. The next budget workshop is scheduled for June 9.
