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Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
Robin Stoutt
POLK COUNTY -- For local school districts, the state's revenue forecast announcement Aug. 26 meant trying to forget there was ever hope of restoring what had been cut earlier in the year.
The federal aid part of a bill passed to restore education jobs and support Medicare held the promise of a glimmer of hope for a short while.
The state's $377.5 million shortfall took away any possibility of add-backs as quickly as it emerged.
"We are exactly in the same financial position ... as we were in July," said Dallas Business Manager Tami Montague at Monday's Dallas School Board special meeting.
While the situation can't be called good news for schools, at least for now it can't get worse.
A combination of the federal funds and a promise to dip into reserves in February's legislative session -- or sooner if a special session is called -- should prevent schools from having to cut more.
Reserve funds -- $154,000 for Dallas -- won't be finalized until after the full legislature approves the allocation to schools, she said.
"There is still uncertainty out there," Montague said.
Perrydale Superintendent Robin Stoutt finds that uncertainty disheartening.
"It was not a secret that the forecast was going to be dismal," she said. "But it's disappointing for kids. It's disappointing for our future."
She said her district has been planning on using federal aid to maintain programs and pay for the district's counselor position.
With that money now being used to offset state budget shortfalls, the counselor will stay with the district under a private contract that provides for no benefits.
Stoutt said she will have to inform district employees that the budget has just gotten much tighter -- again.
"We're back to no spending," Stoutt said.
Dallas Superintendent Christy Perry made a similar recommendation to the board Monday, saying the district should change nothing in its plans to cut $1.3 million from its budget.
"I wouldn't suggest there is any way to alter it at this time," she said.
Falls City Schools Superintendent Peter Tarzian said the district will be holding the line on its approved budget, as well.
Falls City adopts a two-year budget and Tarzian said while 2010-11 may look similar to what it does now, the next year probably won't.
"There will very likely be reductions in the 2011-12 school year unless the state and local revenue pictures change to the positive during or at the end of the 2011 Legislative session," he wrote in an e-mail message.
Stoutt said with the state funding situation not likely to get better soon, districts and communities will have to adapt to stretch the resources they have and find ways to raise what they don't.
She added continual shortfalls has an impact on the morale of educators and confidence of students.
"I truly believe it is affecting our children, the atmosphere of the unknown," Stoutt said.
