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Results of a Brainstorming Session Conducted by Parents Concerned about Next Years School Budget Sunday, March 10, 2002 These
are the ideas generated by a group of about 40 parents that gathered on Sunday
for two hours to discuss their thoughts about next year’s budget. Small groups
in brainstorming sessions developed specific ideas. The groups were asked to
identify areas that they believed should not be cut and to identify
opportunities for savings and/or cuts. A few were deleted because they were strongly
opposed in the large group discussion that occurred following the breakout
groups. Bolded ideas were mentioned by at least two groups. BUDGET AREAS TO PROTECT 1. All groups believe that class sizes
should be protected from elementary through secondary schools. The increases in
class size that would result from the proposed cuts are unacceptable; they are
inconsistent with the District’s long term goals of the recruitment and
retention of excellent teachers, and the achievement of high academic standards
for all students. 2. The proposed cuts
disproportionately and directly diminishes the classroom experience for
students. Indeed, more than one-third
of the cuts lead to an increase in the student:teacher ratio, while other
significant categories of expense are affected less. 3. We must consider cuts in the
context of maintaining the levels of academic excellence that we have at this
point. This includes enrichment programs that foster the diversity of the
curriculum. 4. Textbook replacement should continue to be a priority. 5.
Money should be spent on programs and direct services that impact kids
Efficiencies and Alternate Cuts Cost Saving Ø A more detailed investigation of cost-saving opportunities in
administration (perhaps a needs assessment) Ø The three deans of students each have
secretary's can we consolidate and have one strong Admin person for the three
deans. Ø
Can
the deans of students and the guidance department consolidate to one department
and by doing this eliminate one Sr. Administrator? Ø Reduce our contribution to Minuteman
funding Ø Investigate the feasibility of outsourcing payroll. Failing that, have the Town reimburse
schools for providing payroll services Ø Eliminate the Family Arts and Sciences
Program at the Ottoson Middle School - Cooking, Sewing, Nutrition, Child care Ø Lunch staff: limit number of staff at schools and promote volunteering in
this area. Can we reduce the lunch staff to two per school and look for parent
volunteers? This means we would have
two paid employees available to escort the kids out for recess. Investigate
non-union aids assisting in the lunchroom. Use Teaching Assistants or
specialists to monitor lunches, thusly eliminating lunch ladies. Ø
Eliminate house deans and restructure high school Ø
10 day unpaid vacation
for administrative staff Ø
Examine special
education budget – don’t just assume “there is nothing we can do” §
is there a way to
structure it so services come in-house §
is there a way to
improve existing in-house services Ø
Use the energy audit
from the high school Ø Look at the
number of clerical positions at the high school – is there any way they can be
combined Ø Consider findings of Powers & Sullivan audit Ø Conduct a needs assessment on current
use of paid crossing guards to determine whether current plan is appropriate Ø Negotiate with union regarding health
insurance co-pays with commensurate savings in premiums paid to insurers. In other words, a $15.00 co-pay would lower
the premium employee's would pay for insurance. If we increase Emergency room visits and overnight stay co pays
we will also save more money. Ø Eliminate gym class for high school
students/who are on sports teams. Ø Open up the Honors Program at the High
School to any kid who is up for the challenge - regardless of grades and make those
classes larger. Ø Look at town positions that might overlap or be able to share
responsibilities with school personnel (e.g. human resources, personnel, and
payroll). Ø Put a freeze on all raises for
non-union Administration. Ø Do we really need a HR Officer for the Schools? Can this be a shared
position with the town-clearly we will not be doing to much recruiting in a
time when we need to eliminate teachers. Ø Consolidating or outsourcing of custodial staff. Ø Examine the school construction
schedule to see if there are any changes that might put less pressure on this
year’s budget. Ø Can the ACE program be put on hold or can it somehow be brought into the
general curriculum Minimal to No Cost Ø
Increase the use of student teachers Ø Formal support/mandate from the School
Committee to identify these student teachers through the creation of a
committee made up of volunteers and school representatives to support teachers
in the process of identifying student teachers Ø Formal process for recruiting and
assigning volunteers to most vital needs (e.g. helping in a class room) Ø Examine whether transportation costs
associated with school rebuilding effort could be reduced by encouraging
parents to car pool and/or funding this expense through debt exclusion funds Untapped Revenue Opportunities Ø Explore increasing revenues through private grants as well as other means Ø In addition to the above, perhaps
Arlington parents with grant writing experience could assist in grant
identification/strategizing/preparation Ø Increase revenues from parking
tickets, both by issuing more tickets and by improving ticket fee collection Ø Solicit local restaurants and businesses to donate a portion of their
proceeds on one night to the schools Ø 1% meal tax Ø Generate private funds through fund-raising and community events Ø Raise fees for the OMS AM and PM
programs Ø Charge for books (OMS & AHS) Ø Going to town to solicit additional
tax revenue
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