Jefferson County Public Schools officials and members of the School Board announced Friday a two-year program of budget cuts they say will spare classrooms and save teaching jobs for 2012-13, but not in 2013-14.
After a weekend summit among school administrators, staff and representatives of the school employees’ association and the Jeffco Education Association, the announcement follows months of meetings and public forums designed to prioritize the cuts.
Jeffco Board of Education president Lesley Dahlkemper broke the cuts into two one-year plans. She described the recommendations as tentative plans and solutions to the budget crisis.
“These protect the classroom, preserve jobs and are financially responsible,” she said.
The reductions amount to nearly $20 million in the first year and close to $44 million in the second.
Dahlkemper said, “This crisis is a result of fewer dollars from the state.”
Many of the reductions that otherwise would have been required in the first year would be offset by pulling $5 million from reserves and $3 million from capital transfer funds. Two furlough days for schools and staff also are being considered.
A 3 percent cut in compensation to school staff will continue, which carries over from the past two years.
At least 31 central administrative positions will be eliminated, but the Outdoor Lab is safe for one more year, as are elementary music programs and teacher-librarians.
However, when it comes to the second year, Superintendent Cindy Stevenson said, “It’s slash and burn.”
In 2013-14, there are 600 job reductions and no provision for Outdoor Lab.
Jefferson County Education Association president Kerrie Dallman said, “It’s kicking the can down the road one more year.”
For more information on the budget cuts, go to www.jeffcopublic .
When asked about the possibility of a mill-levy override in 2012, Dahlkemper said, “That’s something we need to hear from the community.”
She added that the expected funds from a bond levy has traditionally been $30 million to $40 million. But she said even if voters say yes, “We’re still looking at cuts and will have to make tough choices.”
It’s been eight years since a mill levy passed in the district.
Dallman said the state needs to work on long-term solutions.
“It’s time for our community and our state to take the lead and decide what kind of education our students deserve — world-class or substandard,” she said.
Karen Groves: 303-954-2303 or kgroves@denverpost.com
