Jordan Independent - School budget -- cut programs, or up class sizes? - Comments

The suggested cuts the

crash716 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:16:52 -0500

The suggested cuts the committee is mulling over are all across the board. There are some in each school and several that affect all 3 schools. But remember, at this point these are all just suggestions. The committee is still working at prioritizing them in order to determine the cuts that will least affect the kids. I can't imagine any one school being favored over the other. I'm sure the middle school will not escape unscathed.

I have heard of numerous

Jason Allen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:25:21 -0500

I have heard of numerous cuts that would happen in the Elementary School and also the High School, but have not heard much about the Middle School.

I also agree that the Administration has to really stay a part of the school system. They are already short and are doing a good job.

To cut $500,000 70 $650,000 you need to start with what takes most of the budget and that happens to be teachers at right around $50,000 a year with benefits, that's what has to go. Sorry to say that.

Administration is already

crash716 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:46:00 -0500

Administration is already lean in Jordan. They cut the Curriculum Director in the last round of budget cuts about 3 years ago. Each building only has 1 principal. Each of them is already doing the work of the former Curriculum Director, along with their own jobs. What more can they cut?

To use a sports example,

goldengopher — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:40:55 -0500

To use a sports example, cutting administration would be like cutting a basketball team's coach. I am a firm believer that a good principal can make a huge difference in the success of teachers and ultimately students. Principals provide leadership and direction for school faculty and staff. Do we need lots of administration to be successful? No, a good leader in each building goes a long way.

Isn't Jordan already light on administration? What other administration do we have besides Superintendent and principals? I believe they cut the curriculum director position a couple of years ago.

Not being a teacher or having any kids in the schools, I can't really comment on the quality of the principals here. Administration is expensive - but so is Tubby Smith. I hope we get our moneys worth with the administration we have in Jordan.

I think I might be able to

Brandon — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:04:57 -0500

I think I might be able to answer that:

Superintendent Larry Kauzlarich solicited suggested cuts from district residents. He has said that he put every suggested budget cut on the list that he presented to the cost-saving committee, as well as some cuts that were discussed in previous years, some that were his suggestions, and some from school employees. If administrative cuts were not suggested by any of these groups, they aren’t on the list he presented.

Kauzlarich has said a number of times that he was disappointed with the number of suggestions submitted.

I am hearing all about

HNR — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:58:42 -0500

I am hearing all about cutting programs, cutting teachers, larger classes, using less heat, charging ECFE rent, and janatorial services, etc, etc, etc.

What I have not heard anything about is cutting back on ADMINISTRATION.

School budget -- cut programs, or up class sizes?

Mathias Baden — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:30:39 -0500

What would you rather see the Jordan School Board cut programs or increase class sizes to trim its budget?