Board to Consider Additional Cuts to Reduce Tax Increase
(April 6, 2010) Although the Ankeny Board of Education approved more than $3.811 million in budget cuts Monday night, it will consider a list of additional cuts to school expenses during a special meeting Monday, April 12, at Northview Middle School. School administrators had proposed the $3.8 million in cuts in combination with a temporary $2.51 tax increase, but some have suggested further cuts should be considered. During Monday night’s meeting, administrators were asked to re-consider their recommendation and submit more options for cuts that could lower the proposed tax increase.
Each 50 cents of the proposed tax increase represents approximately $1 million to the district’s general fund. Conversely, $2.51 per $1,000 of assessed property value would be approximately $30 per month on a $250,000 home.
At the Board’s request, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew Wendt presented a further list of possible cuts and their estimated dollar values. To completely eliminate the tax increase, the district would need to find an additional $5.5 million in reductions. Dr. Wendt also showed examples of how the district might reduce the tax increase in fifty-cent increments.
Members of the Board were also asked to submit additional ideas to discuss at the special meeting. Some of the suggestions that were immediately raised included:
- Purchasing used desks, chairs and other equipment for new buildings scheduled to open soon
- Using sales tax money to pay for that equipment, rather than general fund dollars
- Delaying the opening of new school buildings by one year
- Declining to renew membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards
- Increasing student fees
While making further cuts is possible, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt says that from an educational perspective, he doesn’t recommend it. In order to make a substantial impact to the tax rate, the district will need to look for “big-ticket” items.
“When recommending the $3.8 million in cuts, we did so with minimal impact to teaching and learning. Considering these further cuts, I can’t say that.” states Dr. Wendt. “With that in mind, one of my biggest concerns is that to arrive at $3.8 million in cuts took five months and a comprehensive, public process. I am concerned about the process we will use to identify additional cuts in one week.”
Time is quickly becoming a factor for the Board regarding the district’s budget. According to law, school district budgets must be approved by April 15, or the district will not have a budget. Under such a scenario, the state would assume control of the district's finances. Additionally, State law dictates certified staff members must be notified if they will not be retained by April 30.
The Board will take input from the public on the proposed cuts at 5:00 p.m., April 12, during a special meeting at Northview Middle School. The Board will further discuss the proposed tax increase and budget cuts, and make decisions regarding the budget.
