Give band-fee feedback

The School Board proposed increasing band fees from $45 to $150 for fifth- and sixth-graders in an effort to retain the fifth-grade band program. The money will be used in conjunction with a donation from the Parent Teacher Committee.

The board asked for public feedback on the new fees before voting on the proposed band cut at its Monday, April 23 meeting.

By Joanna Miller

Staff Writer

Some items were pulled from the vote before the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board passed the bulk of its proposed budget reductions Monday.

The board set aside the fifth-grade band, before-school band lessons, and stipend cuts based on a new plan to increase fees for the fifth- and sixth-grade programs.

The board will vote on the proposed band cut at its Monday, April 23 meeting.

It also accepted a donation from the Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) to cover a choir stipend. The environmental learning center cut for the Wolf Ridge program was also saved with PTC funds.

“The PTC has very generously given of their fund-raising,” Bruns said, “recognizing that this is important to the curriculum.”

Increased band fees, along with a PTC donation to cover a band stipend, would allow for the continuation of the fifth-grade band program next year, as well.

Band participation fees would jump from $45 to $150 for fifth- and sixth-graders under the new plan.

Board Member Sue Bruns emphasized that the board chose to table the vote on this portion of the budget in order to give the community time to provide feedback on increased fees – new information the board presented Monday.

“This is a little bit outside of our process,” Bruns said. “I recognize the passion of the fifth-grade band, but we have to remember there’s a big picture here. We really need to make this decision in two weeks. You start bending rules of a process, and you start to lose credibility.”

The proposed cuts were first presented at a Feb. 26 board meeting, and residents offered feedback on the potential loss of the fifth-grade band, reduction of paraprofessional positions, and increased class sizes at the March 12 meeting.

Board Member Diane Ziemann said time between Monday and the next board meeting provides the public time to respond to the new plan.

“The reason for the two-week delay is to get input back from our community,” Ziemann said.

Students already enrolled in sixth-grade band will be sent a letter to inform them of the increased fees.

A letter will also be sent to all fourth-graders, so families understand fee amounts before band registration.

The board said while the increase is significant, based on community feedback from the public hearing, they feel support to save the program through fees exists.

“We had people at the open forum saying they would be willing to come forward and pay,” Ziemann said.

Band Director Keith Koehlmoos said he appreciates the work the board has done to keep the program.

“I want to thank the board for its willingness to listen to a strong contingency,” Koehlmoos said.

The band program will need to maintain participation numbers with the higher fees to make the plan work. The board based their estimate on participation of at least 300 students.

Class sizes to increase

Beyond specific line items, Superintendent Tom Westerhaus pointed out that class-size issues are still a concern.

The board members said to maintain class sizes, they’re looking for state support, as they could not change budget reductions and stay financially on course.

“[With] any of the contingency 2007-08 budget and any help from the state, it would be important to address,” Westerhaus said.

Chairman Michael Murray echoed those sentiments.

“Any extra funds at the end of the legislative session, it is our assumption going into this process, would be addressed in that area,” Murray said.

Board Members Eric Pratt and Tom Anderson also pointed out that teachers gave up professional development funding to make the budget reductions possible.

Anderson said the future budget will need to allow for staff development.

“If we do not supply them with funds, I think we’re going to be really hurt,” Anderson said.

Director of Special Education Doug Kern offered insight into special education program needs, which he said are being met even with the reductions.

Kern explained that reductions need to be put into context for the program’s needs.

With 10 paraprofessional positions removed, Kern said student needs will continue to be met.

For example, he said two of those positions are paraprofessionals matched full-time with students graduating high school this year; the paraprofessionals will not need to be replaced for next year.

Kern said younger students will retain paraprofessionals in the classroom. Older students who do not require similar help in their educational program tend to prefer a “resource room” model, which “destigmatizes” receiving help, he said.

The paraprofessional would have a classroom setting to assist students, which would reduce a staffing need.

“In fourth and fifth grade, this helps move kids toward independence,” Kern said.

Kern said the district will maintain an average student-to-paraprofessional ratio of 4 to 1 for the program.

Kern also noted there is a net loss of students participating in the special education program at the elementary level next year.

Westerhaus pointed out that special education programs have a small contingency fund, should more paraprofessional help be needed.

A contingency fund of $15,798 is earmarked “to fund unforeseen needs for equipment and possible paraprofessional hours” in the budget.

Members said the board recognizes state requirements and will support students’ individualized education programs.

“I really feel this school district is aware of their responsibility to these kids,” Bruns said.

Bruns urged constituents to contact their legislators, based on responses parents have received recently when writing about class size and budget concerns.

“E-mail your legislators and the governor; they’re writing back now,” Bruns said.

 Joanna Miller can be reached at (952) 345-6375 or jmiller@swpub.com.