Sent from Superintendent Downs on February 18, 2010

SEP Staff,

I am writing this to advise the public about budget cuts the district faces. The board of education is currently fashioning a budget for FY 2011. It's my belief next year's budget will need to reflect approximately $3 million in budget cuts. Regrettably, this cannot be achieved without reducing the number of staff positions—both professional and support, as more than 80 percent of our spending comes from salaries and benefits.

Tonight's board meeting is the first of several where administration budget recommendations will be considered. CLICK HERE to see the draft of the budget reduction document I will be presenting to the board for their consideration at tonight's meeting. I DO NOT anticipate the board taking any action on this list at tonight's meeting. I DO anticipate the board will be scheduling a public forum in the next few weeks to receive feedback from constituents on the budget reduction considerations. This forum will be publicized well in advance so you may plan to attend if you wish.

The draft of my recommendations DOES NOT include identifying the professionals or staff who may face a layoff. That determination will made only after the board sets the budget and after negotiations have concluded. It is my intention to work with the Association and the Union on these decisions and to assure everything is done in compliance with the SEPEA and AFSCME contracts. Of course, any reductions that need to be made will be done with the goal of minimizing the adverse effect that such cuts will have on the individual teachers and staff affected.

I wish to also reiterate that the board of education and I believe that the teaching and support staff work tirelessly for the success of this district and that the economic crisis we face is not the making of the staff. This budget challenge is larger than all of us. It is our goal to minimize the effect of these steps and to preserve our programs as much as possible.

As always, I welcome your feedback and support. Thank you.

Thomas J. Downs
Superintendent of Schools
Southeast Polk Community School District