Good news
We are planning to restore programs & services
We are pleased to let you know that we will be restoring some of the programs and services that
were cut prior to the start of the school year. As you know, the district implemented many cuts,
including more than 400 positions, due to a state advisory that up to 20% of state aid could be
withheld due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on the state. State aid payments to the
district, beginning in August 2020, had a portion withheld, leaving the district little choice. This
$28.5 million reduction in programs, services, and staffing was a necessary and responsible
step, but it has been devastating to our school community, especially our students.
Up until this point, we have not restored programs and services, including increasing in-person
options, because what the advisory warned did come to fruition. Funding was withheld from
eleven of 23 aid payments. Further, subsequent advisories warned that reductions might
continue, or perhaps be greater, if the state fiscal picture did not improve.
In January, the local media reported that state leaders said further aid cuts would not take place
and that districts should expect to receive full aid payments. While the reports were promising,
the district did not receive any official confirmation, or the necessary guidance and timeline
regarding the restoration of funds, until last week.
On Monday, February 1, the district received confirmation that school aid will not be withheld
moving forward and that prior aid payments will be made whole. This is great news and means
the restoration of programs, services, and staff is underway.
Last week, the board of education approved resolutions to rehire staff for our Pre-K program,
which was launched last week. The planning for the Pre-K program had already been underway
as the district was notified in early January what portion of the Pre-K grant funds we would
receive. Until then, the program was paused because the grant funding had not been
authorized. We are pleased to finally be able to offer this important program to our youngest
learners.
District leaders are now planning for the restoration of many student programs and services that
have been paused since September with priority on increasing in-person opportunities,
intervention and services and reducing the class size of virtual classes.
While we would like nothing more than to open the doors and welcome all students and staff
back into the schools, this is not immediately feasible as COVID-19 safety
requirements and protocols must be implemented. This includes many measures including
social distancing.