The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to enact a $5 million spending reduction plan recommended by administrators.  Chief Financial Officer Cecilie Nunn told the board recent retirements and resignations among the teaching staff, along with funds from the American Recovery Act, translate into no need for a staff reduction-in-force (RIF) in the 2021-2022 school year..

Nunn acknowledged that the new state budget just enacted by the legislature will increase funding for public schools in the 2-year period beginning July 1, but there are many unknown factors at this time.  For example, the state will be funding virtual students at 85%, after funding such learners at 100% during the pandemic.  Also, officials do not know what staffing will be required, because student enrollment numbers are not known for the coming school year, virtual or in-person.

Superintendent Allen Bourff said administrators will come back to the board if there are any updates on how the added state funds may change the spending cuts already enacted.

There is a long list of savings passed by the board, as it was generally laid-out at the previous meeting.  Savings of $3.3 million are projected by re-establishing class sizes in grade K-6 consistent with the last referendum, and using American Rescue funds.  More than $401,000 will be saved by freezing incremental pay raises for support staff and administrators. Several open jobs will not be filled, including 16 bus driving positions.

There was some discussion about the elimination of recycle bins and Nunn indicated that was a small line item and could be handled if the board so chooses to keep them.

You can review the entire list of budget cuts enacted by the board at this link.