tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post4179147864600054781..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Budget Issues at SchoolsMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45031009763314968062009-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:002009-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:00Josh,AS#1 is getting 5 teachers from Summit - one ...Josh,<BR/><BR/>AS#1 is getting 5 teachers from Summit - one middle school, one elementary, one primary, and two .5 art teachers (ceramics and graphic arts) so we didn't feel the need to waive the librarian and councilor this year. Plus, the possibility of a library PCP for the young kids was appealing and the teachers were hoping to get someone with a strong IT back ground to help with technology skills for the older kids.Megan Mchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08526624057081098551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70965052176936599982009-03-26T14:40:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:40:00.000-07:00Josh, waivers (used) to be possible, and I underst...Josh, waivers (used) to be possible, and I understand that they still are, in certain circumtances. Some positions are district-mandated (for instance, the new Academic Dean position in HSs is not....waiverable?)<BR/><BR/>But I believe that while fuding si centralized as to how MANY FTE, site-baed decision making on the use of that FTE is still relatively flexible, as people on-sire would better know their needs.<BR/><BR/>But as Cas points out, with these diminished budgets, you get to a point where you really can't do much: trade 0.5 librarian for 0.5 cert? When budgets are so thin,the FTE a school is granted is pretty much bare-bones in all categories, anyway...Some Alts might, because of their familiarity with different scenarios such as interdisciplinary ed, etc, be better prepared to make creative choices, but overall I think we're looking at barebones all around, for now.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15153732479219571292009-03-26T14:31:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:31:00.000-07:00Imagine that.... Getting by without a librarian a...Imagine that.... Getting by without a librarian and gaining a teacher. <BR/><BR/>The staff at our school will not give up our full time librarian until she is prided from their cold dead hands.cashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05132384917900683831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22980332767461701252009-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:002009-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00FYI, it is possible to request a waiver from the d...FYI, it is possible to request a waiver from the district if a school wants to shuffle the certified FTEs around -- last year we at AS1 were assigned a 0.5 counselor and a 0.5 librarian, which we asked to have changed into a 1.0 FTE certified teacher (and that was granted). So we did without any librarian or counselor, but got an "extra" teacher to reduce our class sizes. YMMV.Josh Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17242600011474990770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18222856544612271962009-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:002009-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:00Cas,I'm not sure how our principal/BLT is working ...Cas,<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure how our principal/BLT is working out the actual payments or how it will all be entered into the budget system downtown. I just know the PTA is funding the value of 0.5 Librarian, along with several others.BadgerGalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545194686772458709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63938982816269158832009-03-25T11:40:00.000-07:002009-03-25T11:40:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.cashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05132384917900683831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30846938042361666912009-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:002009-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:00Old SaltThat is my understanding as well. The onl...Old Salt<BR/>That is my understanding as well. The only way to get "more" in the fall is to take it from some other school - good luck with that one!<BR/><BR/>Our school is getting an additional kindergarten class next year based on cluster demographics but the enrollment numbers don't reflect it in the 09/10 worksheets. We are down 2 FTEs BEFORE this extra class comes in. <BR/><BR/>The PTA is funding the librarian up to the 1.0 (we were given 0.5) as well as other staff positions. We are also strongly considering a pay for play instrumental music fee for 4th and 5th graders, sliding scale. <BR/><BR/>BUT- CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY - they vote today on a bill of intent that sets the stage for fixing this mess (at least partially) when the economy turns around.BadgerGalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545194686772458709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10651671084175113312009-03-25T07:42:00.000-07:002009-03-25T07:42:00.000-07:00Budgets have always been done before enrollment. ...Budgets have always been done before enrollment. Under Weighted Student formula, budgets were readjusted in the fall when student counts came in. Under WSS budgets are based on district predictions of student numbers. There is no adjustment in the fall. Last year some NE schools ended up with 50 -100 more students than they were budgeted for. Some schools were even pushed into a larger school category, but there was no more money for them.old salthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07971380233996439817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73152820749883722472009-03-24T22:32:00.000-07:002009-03-24T22:32:00.000-07:00Does anyone else think it is weird that they are d...Does anyone else think it is weird that they are doing the budget before the enrollment numbers are in? I realize that AS#1's case is an extreme one since there are so many variables but it seems to me that many other schools will be affected by the last round of closures. No one knows where displaced students will end up and which families have to change schools because of the new start times. There could be a lot more shuffling of teachers and staff in the fall once the enrollment numbers stabilize. Are any other schools worried about enrollment numbers affecting their final budget?Megan Mchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08526624057081098551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56723540080980622892009-03-24T19:41:00.000-07:002009-03-24T19:41:00.000-07:00and find out what's lost in central services? (non...and find out what's lost in central services? (non-school based educators: coaches, JSCEE staff...seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23377883275208320942009-03-24T19:38:00.000-07:002009-03-24T19:38:00.000-07:00To that end, as there are many schools unrepresent...To that end, as there are many schools unrepresented here on this blog, perhaps bloggers could poll their friends and find out what's lost in all the schools.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57149774630488519532009-03-24T19:37:00.000-07:002009-03-24T19:37:00.000-07:00A new thread might be created to chronicle losses ...A new thread might be created to chronicle losses in each school as we become aware of them. This might help clarify what is lost, what choices schools make...not as a judgemental thing, but as both a memorial wall and a list of things deemed essential at one point but now lost; things we need to work to get back.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71627965309215363712009-03-24T18:45:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:45:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.cashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05132384917900683831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42226594774954523312009-03-24T18:22:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:22:00.000-07:00From the SPS website:http://www.seattleschools.org...From the SPS website:<BR/><BR/><BR/>http://www.seattleschools.org/area/budget/goldbook/10/sec1.pdf<BR/><BR/>If you scroll down to page 10, it shows that ALL elementary schools (even the large schools that have more than 472 students) are only funded for a .5 librarian. ARGH! This is crazy!<BR/><BR/>CAS: what program is your school losing?whittier07https://www.blogger.com/profile/16899142535118517706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-52626903334953518422009-03-24T18:04:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:04:00.000-07:00There is disagreement at EVERY school. Rough budge...There is disagreement at EVERY school. Rough budgets were due 3/19 and final budgets are due Thursday. Principals spent part of yesterday at the budget "roundtable" or whatever it's called yesterday, hashing out the numbers together. What is evident (and expected) is that most if not all school budgets are losing FTE. And that's just the WSS; additional cuts occur from the loss of centrally funded programs.<BR/><BR/>Disagreement is, of course, the result: there are much loved staff being displaced everywhere, the question being, "who do we cut?"<BR/><BR/>This emotion-laden decision is being made by BLTs and staffs everywhere right now. We can all do our best to support these staffs, and the displaced yet still loved educators; I'm sure it would be appreciated.<BR/><BR/>But you all know that; you care. that's why you're reading this.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57668598313446519032009-03-24T17:35:00.000-07:002009-03-24T17:35:00.000-07:00There is a disagreement at our school. Keep fundi...There is a disagreement at our school. Keep funding a librarian at 1.0 or cut other things. <BR/><BR/>This librarian is a lovely person and well loved by our staff. No one wants to see her time cut, but at what point do we keep funding for a librarian at 1.0? Our Primary classes are full at 28, we will loose a well-loved program, and a portion of our tiny .2 nurse.<BR/><BR/>Supposedly, we are middle class to affluent school.cashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05132384917900683831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7694732406765693612009-03-24T17:01:00.000-07:002009-03-24T17:01:00.000-07:00I don't know how many elementaries have 1.0 FTE li...I don't know how many elementaries have 1.0 FTE librarians, Kand4mom. I used a 250 student school and a 500 student school to illustrate the economy of scale: Why would they both have a 1.0 librarian? What is the optimal librarian/student ratio?seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85453678506556045172009-03-24T16:58:00.000-07:002009-03-24T16:58:00.000-07:00I agree, Melissa, that this is far beyond the norm...I agree, Melissa, that this is far beyond the norm for PTAs, and perhaps shouldn't have been used for comparison, The two schools came up, and I was challenged to do some research...<BR/><BR/>If anyone thinks that I think some schools are garden party spa resorts due to PTA's largesse, I am far from the belief. I belief PTAs can and do provide some extra things, pencils, trips, ice cream...maybe a tutor once a week or something...<BR/><BR/>My problem is when they become an integral part of the education model of the school. Then I wonder why the district doesn't pay for the appropriate model, what sort of deals are made for schools that can afford this...why, in effect, a part of the student's education is now privatized.<BR/><BR/>That makes me think.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75529464076278425142009-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:002009-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:00Seattle Citizen, I didn't think much could make m...Seattle Citizen, I didn't think much could make my jaw-drop but over $1,000 per kid for PTA fundraising? Good for McGilvra but that is a very special group of parents. I don't think there is a PTA (much less a private school) that can raise funds like that. In this case, their PTA is definitely providing beyond what any fed/state/local funding does but it certainly is not the norm for your garden-variety PTA.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86102375986427881962009-03-24T14:35:00.000-07:002009-03-24T14:35:00.000-07:00How many K-5 have a full time librarian?How many K-5 have a full time librarian?Kand4momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12030036164323526706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-80842393242854843802009-03-24T12:56:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:56:00.000-07:00Oh, I'll add that I LIKE the older buildings. I'm...Oh, I'll add that I LIKE the older buildings. I'm actively seeking an older building. I find them to be much more attractive and plesant environments than the newer buildings. The cute old building is one of the things I prefer about Montlake. Not the target market, I guess...TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11727588004372753572009-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:00Seattle Citizen, Thanks for the post. These are s...Seattle Citizen, <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the post. These are stark contrasts and I can understand why you have the questions and concerns that you have. <BR/><BR/>I can't speak for McGilvra - we can only dream of class sizes of 21 at our school for any grade level. <BR/><BR/>But please realize that not all PTAs that raise money for staffing are in the same situation as McGilvra.BadgerGalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545194686772458709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11018497340046399892009-03-24T12:25:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:25:00.000-07:00Seattle Citizen,I understand that Title 1 is suppo...Seattle Citizen,<BR/><BR/>I understand that Title 1 is supposed to help make up for horrible circumstances beyond the kid's control. I don't at all begrudge schools their Title 1 money to help the students as needed to bring them up to a "level" with others. <BR/><BR/>However, your mistake is in assuming that by raising PTA funds to support staffing, "PTA schools" are somehow "getting more" than the Title 1 schools. Based on what you have written so far, I believe you think that non-Title one schools are fully funded country club estates that PTA fundraising takes to a whole new level. <BR/><BR/>Au contraire, these PTA funds often bring our schools to the same level that Title 1 gets others schools to in terms of staffing, programs, etc.<BR/><BR/>I don't mind if you count the money, just count ALL of the money. And THEN, be sure to look at what that money buys. Then decide if there is some elitist flaunting of wealth going on. <BR/><BR/>I don't count using PTA funds to support struggling readers and those students struggling with math as elitist flaunting of money. I don't count ensuring that as many programs such as art and instrumental music or art are provided during the school day as elitist. In many ways, these programs benefit those who can least afford it most. If they are removed from the school day, the parents at the school who can afford it will take their kids to Kumon or where ever, leaving the rest to suffer. By giving the money to the school's PTA, all benefit. <BR/><BR/>To answer your question about why doesn't the money follow the students... it used to until last year. We had Weighted Student Funding, where each child was "worth" a certain amount to a school for resources (F/R lunch qualified students were worth more than a regular student) <BR/><BR/>Now, with weighted staffing standards, the schools are placed in bands based on enrollment. So if a band is 300-460 students (I don't know the exact numbers), all schools in that enrollment band essentially get the same, even though one has 160 more students. It creates a nightmare for schools like mine that are at the upper end of enrollment bands. Smaller schools get more on a per pupil basis.BadgerGalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11545194686772458709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39425010460158627522009-03-24T12:22:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:22:00.000-07:00I haven’t had a chance to find out the various fun...I haven’t had a chance to find out the various funding agencies for each school, and what those funds go to, but here is a synthesis of information found on both school’s websites and in their reports. I do not intend to pick on either school by so reporting (as requested) but feel that the comparison is illustrative of the issue we are addressing.<BR/><BR/>McGilvra<BR/><BR/>Here are the fisrt words that appear on their website when opened:<BR/><BR/>“CURRENT MCGILVRA NEWS <BR/> <BR/>OUR ANNUAL FUND NEEDS YOU!<BR/>So far, 56 percent of our families have given, bringing us closer to our goal of $175,000….$1,110 [is] the per student cost of PTA enrichment this year…”<BR/> <BR/>We want to be able to say to school district officials looking for smaller schools to close that we have a united, dedicated parent community. Your PTA membership, volunteer hours and donations make that statement loudly.”<BR/><BR/>First words on Annual Fund page of that website:<BR/>“Your donations to the McGilvra Annual Fund make it possible for us to pay for three full time teachers as well as our art and music teachers. They ensure that McGilvra has just 21 students in each classroom, some of the smallest class sizes in the state.”<BR/><BR/>From the Annual Fund Mission Page:<BR/>“Where does the money go?<BR/>Teacher Grants (class size reduction, art, computer, & music) $227,500<BR/>Teacher Innovation Grants - $15,000<BR/>Writing Program - $10,000<BR/>Capital Improvements - $25,000<BR/>Total Expenses $277,500…<BR/>…Our dream is for every family to participate this year in the Annual Fund, and to reach our financial target of $175,000. To cover the cost of the additional teachers and enrichment programs at our school, our PTA will pay $1,110 per child to the district.<BR/><BR/>Total Enrollment 250<BR/>Returning Students 84.6%<BR/>First Choice 75.0%<BR/>Area Residents 49.6%<BR/>Asian 12.4% 31<BR/>African American 7.6% 19<BR/>Hispanic 5.2% 13<BR/>Native American 1.2% 3<BR/>White 73.6%<BR/>Free or Reduced Lunch 7.6% 19<BR/>Not Living with Both Parents 13.6% 34<BR/>Non-English Speaker 2.8% 7<BR/>Bilingual Eligible & Served 0.0% 0<BR/>Bilingual Eligible 1.2%<BR/>Total Special Ed. 13.2% 33<BR/>Level 2 51.5% 17<BR/>Level 4b 27.3% 9<BR/>Therapy 21.2%<BR/><BR/><BR/>Madrona:<BR/>Here are some things from their website that probably cost money:<BR/><BR/>Strategies for Success<BR/>Wednesdays 6-8 PM, open library, computers for student and family use. Teachers, staff and community volunteers are available for homework and technology help, a light dinner is served…<BR/>Achiever’s Club<BR/>homework program, three or four afternoons per week as part of our after school enrichment program….Teachers<BR/>and community volunteers staff this program.<BR/>Tutoring<BR/>If you feel your student needs additional 1:1 time with a tutor, please speak with<BR/>the classroom teacher. Please note that students do not receive tutoring during<BR/>regular academic time.<BR/>Middle School OST (Out of School Time) Program<BR/>…designed to provide middle school students with safe, structured, and enriching classes after school. OST is funded by the Families and Education Levy. Examples of past classes are Spanish, cooking, drawing, and drama. School staff, professional artists, or volunteers teach classes from the community.<BR/>Elementary After School Program<BR/>After school activities for elementary children are funded by Panther Partners<BR/>(PTSA) and have previously included drama, dance, hair braiding, ceramics and<BR/>drill team.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Here are their demographics:<BR/>Total Enrollment 411<BR/>Returning Students 68.8%<BR/>First Choice 25.5%<BR/>Area Residents 21.7%<BR/>Asian 3.2% 13<BR/>African American 74.9% 308<BR/>Hispanic 8.5% 35<BR/>Native American 4.4% 18<BR/>White 9.0%<BR/>Free or Reduced Lunch 70.8% 291<BR/>Not Living with Both Parents 66.7% 274<BR/>Non-English Speaker 7.8% 32<BR/>Bilingual Eligible & Served 0.5% 2<BR/>Bilingual Eligible 4.4%<BR/>Total Special Ed. 17.8% 73<BR/>Level 2 64.4% 47<BR/>Level 3 12.3% 9<BR/>Level 4b 5.5% 4<BR/>Therapy 17.8%seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20535368483996313052009-03-24T12:19:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:19:00.000-07:00Oh, I know small schools are on the way out. And ...Oh, I know small schools are on the way out. And I think it's a really bad idea. I like Montlake, don't much like Stevens. I'm actually making a public-private decision today, and this is one of the things pushing me towards private. SPS, are you listening? Didn't think so.TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.com