Residents voice opinions on proposed school budget cuts
Posted 3/27/03

Over 60 people filled the Milaca High School Media Center Monday to speak their mind about the proposed budget cuts at Milaca Public Schools during a public forum that lasted two and a half hours.

And at times, the attendees were quite passionate about those opinions. Overall, the message was loud and clear - do not make any cuts at this time.

Board chairperson Laurie Gahm started the forum by saying, "I couldnít be more happy to see this group. It shows that you care about what happens in this building and that you care about the kids."

At the beginning of the forum, former school board member Calvin Beumer asked that the board members explain why they want to make the cuts.

Superintendent Barbra Zakrajsek explained that the board started with the audited figures from June 30, 2002. They determined what the projected revenues and expenditures for the 2003-04 school year would be, based on state revenues, census and phone calling to determine enrollment, with slightly more expenditures than revenues.

Zakrajsek said the general fund balance is estimated to be at $2.5 million by the end of the this school year.

She also said the school is in much better shape than some of the districts surrounding Milaca.

But, she pointed out, what if enrollment is down and the state gives the school less money than it says it will. The board is trying to be conservative in its projections, which is why its asked the administration to make a list of $200,000 in potential cuts.

The board reminded the parents and students at the forum that the list is simply a sounding board and is not necessarily what may be cut.

Several people spoke in support of the band. The cut list includes a $3,000 cut to marching band and eliminating marching band in grades six through eight.

Students and parents spoke of the importance of band. One person suggested an activities fee for band to help offset the costs. Another suggested more fund raising, however, several parents said theyíre tired of fund raising and would rather give the money directly to the program than purchase an item and have only a portion of the money go to the organization.

Another group with a large representation was the FFA. Students and parents spoke of their support for the program that has been in place for 75 years.

The FFA Region Four President, a student from Howard Lake, also spoke in support of FFA and the need for two advisors in the program. The current budget cut list includes eliminating an FFA advisor position.

Several people spoke to the need for a nurse in each building of the school.

Kay Keimig, public health director for Mille Lacs County, said the county partnered with the school for a period of time when the school was without a nurse.

Keimig said she was surprised at the number of children who see the nurse throughout the day. "If anything, they couldíve used more nurses," Keimig said.

Theresa Burns, a school nurse, questioned the increased risk in liability if the school were to have only one nurse. Burns said if the school were to have one nurse for nearly 2,000 students, "I donít know how many would want to be in our shoes."

In-town bussing was another issue that received a lot of comment from the public.

Gretchen Totzke said, "Itís frightening to me that weíre willing to possibly risk harm to our children by having them walk to school.

"We donít live in a safe world. We have to take care of our community."

One parent said she would not allow her child to attend school if she has to walk just over a mile in below zero temperatures.

Brian Bresnicki, also concerned with in-town bussing being cut, told board members, "Itís your responsibility to make the school as safe as you possibly can."

Most all the items on the proposed budget cut list were addressed, including reduced lunch time, eliminating a half-time gifted and talented teacher, eliminating an elementary Spanish teacher, and eliminating an elementary paraprofessional.

Senior Sarah Burns said she has been in band for seven years and said, "I donít need to tell anyone that our music program is absolutely incredible. Iím appalled by the potential cuts to marching band. Make cuts across the board, not specific groups."

The principal and superintendent salaries were brought up, including salary increases.

One person suggested eliminating the superintendentís position, but several came to her defense stating they may not agree with her at times, but they reiterated the importance of the position.

Paul Ash said, "We do need a superintendent. We need a captain to run the ship."

Several people voiced their opinion that there should not be any cuts made this year at all.

Stacey Wiedewitsch asked, "Why are we cutting the budget at all?"

The board explained that the auditors suggest having three months of funds in place in case of an emergency. Board member Linda Ransom said, "Weíre trying to be fiscally conservative."

Resident Bill Hawley said, "I donít believe you should do any of these cuts. I donít believe we need it this year."

Hawley also mentioned that the teachers are going into negotiations for their contracts and he addressed those teachers attending the forum.

"Iím willing to fight for you today, if you understand that when you go back to negotiations be very careful what you ask for."

Hawley told the teachers that if they ask for more than is necessary, "We cannot stand next to you next year when budget cuts come up again."

The board will meet with the administrative team Tuesday, April 1. Final decisions could possibly be made that day or at the Monday, April 21 board meeting.