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creston183
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 02:56 am |
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Very interesting debate indeed! The total amount of school operations funding is firmly established by state law and there is little the district can do about it. The question is: how efficiently are these funds being spent? As for half-baked numbers, the ultimate source of these numbers is the district itself via reports to the state Department of Education and reviewed by the state Auditor General. These numbers are easily available to the public if one cares enough to examine them.
As for communications with CCUSD hierarchy, attempted contacts with CCUSD administrators and board have proved to be fruitless. Past presentations and questions, both written and oral, to the board were generally ignored, and answered with a "thank you" at the end. Little was heard afterward! Further, we invite readers to examine the minutes of past governing board meetings, including those in October, November and December 2007, and determine how much time the board spends on district operations and how much time is spent on arcane procedural/philosophical matters. This information is available to the public on the CCUSD web site.
As for running for the CCUSD governing board, nobody ever knew (over the years) about the particulars of being a candidate before a recent editorial in the Sonoran News, listing the various steps and timings involved, and inviting interested parties to apply. Is this a bit of chronic forgetfulness by the district, similar to the labeled mobile computing units (read "laptops") desired by the district in the 2007 capital override. One wonders.
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momof4
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Posted: Mon Apr 21st, 2008 08:00 pm |
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| Interesting little debate you have going here. Why is it that the "CCUSD Watch" is so hateful toward the district? Have you ever actually sat down with Dr. Ashby and her key finance person (his name escapes me) to discuss the school district finances? Or worse, are you just a venomous group that likes to vent but never actually tries to fix a problem that you see and present to the rest of the public on half baked information? Perhaps you or one of your group should run for the governing board. I hear there are going to be three seats available this November. Or are you all full of yourself and don't have enough guts to change what you so clearly dislike about the district? It's always easier to point out the negative rather than focus on the positive of this wonderful district. Last edited on Mon Apr 21st, 2008 08:09 pm by momof4
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CCUSD Watch
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 11:32 pm |
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So Mr. Airdo tells us that Marvin Christensen, Ed.D lectured the public on how the state legislature does not value education. Ok, Mr. Christensen let’s take a look at what per pupil funding and enrollment for CCUSD has done over the last 5 years.
Cave Creek Unified School District #93
Year, Students, Per Pupil Expenditures, Administrative Costs Per Pupil
2002, 4638, $5,442, $608
2007, 5653, $6,982, $705
Source: Office of the Auditor General, State of Arizona
So a little math here tells us that:
- Per pupil administrative costs have increased 16% over 2002
- Per pupil dollars have increased 28% over 2002
- Total CCUSD expenditures have increased to $14 million dollars per year over 2002
- Total administrative expenditures have increased $1.1 million dollars per year over 2002 to almost $4 million dollars
So funding has increased 28% and the budget is up $14 million dollars in 5 short years. Sounds like the taxpayers (the community and the state) are more than providing for Cave Creek Unified School district.
CCUSD Watch
http://ccusdwatch.blogspot.com
ccusdwatch@hotmail.com
Last edited on Sat Apr 19th, 2008 03:28 am by CCUSD Watch
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CCUSD Watch
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 10:30 pm |
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Mr. Airdo,
Thanks again for the best news coverage on CCUSD. It is much appreciated!
CCUSD Watch
http://ccusdwatch.blogspot.com
ccusdwatch@hotmail.com
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momof4
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Posted: Thu Apr 17th, 2008 07:23 pm |
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As a parent who sat in the back of the room for many hours during the Cave Creek governing board budget meetings on April 8th and the 13th, I am content with the outcome of the board's decision. It's not a great outcome but under the circumstances it's just ok. I would not like to be on this governing board for all the money in the world. It's a thankless job with lots of long hours. No matter what you do one person (or group) or another will be unhappy with your decision. That's why I had to laugh when there was a guest editorial in the Sonoran News looking for new governing board member recruits for this November's election. I wonder if Will Wreight, who wrote the editorial, will have enough b*lls to run himself or will he be like the rest of the big mouth residents who live within the school district boundaries -- all fluff, no action but like to complain alot instead of coming up with creative ways to help a district in financial need (how about donating to the $400 tax credit?). You decide yourself.
We need your help!
By Will Wreight
Remember the "Taj Mahal" high schools, costing nearly $70 million! Remember the miniature Olympic swimming pools in a grandiose aquatic center! Remember the attempted annexation of the unorganized territories, rejected both by district taxpayers and territory voters (they finally had to pass a state law, which is now being challenged as to its constitutionality, to accomplish this)! Remember, giving priority to funding landscaping around the district schools rather than moving the power lines to reduce the chances of possible litigation against the district!
Remember, the late January commentaries by a sitting Governing Board member about the 'dysfunctional' governing board: " ... increasing concern for the future of CCUSD ... ineffective planning, confusing communications, hostile discourse, blocking behavior ... apparent lack of commitment to our often-stated intent to place 'students first and people always' ... this governing board is not split; it is fractured ..." Another board member referred to the governing board as "totally dysfunctional."
Had enough?
You can help! We need several of the district's taxpayers to run for the CCUSD governing board.
That's right, the terms of six of the eight governing board members expire later this year, with only two legacy board members (Clancy and Reese) remaining. Three governing board seats (a majority) will now be open for new members in the November school board elections.
District residents are recognized achievers, in both scholastic and professional accomplishments. Application of these talents to the operation of a school district undoubtedly would result in more realistic and efficient use of taxpayer money to achieve academic excellence.
What are the qualifications for new governing board members? Well, independence of thought, an appreciation of the economics of district taxpayers, some patience and a lot of common sense. New governing board members need not have children in district schools nor have any background in the education field to qualify. They must be registered district voters.
It is not difficult to appear on the school board election ballot this November. All you need is 167 signatures of district voters on a nominating petition to be included on the ballot.
Need some more information? Call Hope Olguin (602-506-3978), election specialist with the Maricopa County school elections group and ask for the school election information package for the Cave Creek Unified School District.
What will this effort to become a governing board member cost? Nothing, as the Maricopa County school elections group does not charge any fees to register with them. It will cost you a little personal time to register with the county and then to obtain the necessary 167 signatures from district voters. But, register with the county is a must before you seek signatures on the nominating petition. These registration statements (Political Committee Statement of Organization OR $500 Threshold Exemption Statement) are pretty easy to fill out and pertain mainly to the provision of contact information. Olguin would be glad to answer any of your questions.
What is the timing of your efforts to be on the CCUSD governing board ballot this November? You can start filing the completed nominating petitions in the period starting July 7 and ending Aug. 6. If you are certified by the county to appear on the ballot (nominally, an administrative procedure) you will need a recent photograph and a brief statement before Sept. 11. After that, it is up to you and the district voters.
Surely, district taxpayers deserve better than what they have been experiencing in the past several years! We need your acumen and your common sense in governing the CCUSD. Help us and yourselves in running for the CCUSD governing board.
Thank you.
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Joey Airdo
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 05:07 pm |
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The correct figure is $295,000. I have edited the copy to represent the correct figure. Thank you for catching this and I apologize for the error (it was a typo).
Last edited on Wed Apr 16th, 2008 05:33 pm by Joey Airdo
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momof4
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:50 pm |
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| Joey, I think I heard that night the board would augment the budget by $295,000 not $295? Big difference -- check the facts please. Mom of 4 kids
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Joey Airdo
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 03:17 pm |
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Balancing Act: Proposed budget leaves community members cold
School district considers cutting back
By Joey Airdo
Independent Newspapers
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article first reported in the North Scottsdale Independent, April 16, 2008.
As a result of Cave Creek Unified School District’s $2.2 million shortfall, students could have seen a number of changes to some of their favorite classes and programs next year.
Use of one-time contingency funds helped salvage many of those programs but officials still had to make a number of difficult decisions while balancing the district's budget.
According to CCUSD Associate Superintendent of Operations and Finance Kent Frison, Ed.D., officials anticipate the district’s revenue will be about $33 million during 2008-09. For the current school year, they have budgeted about $34.8 million.
He explained CCUSD is experiencing a shortfall for a number of reasons, including a lack of enrollment growth and preparation for the elimination of excess utilities. (Next year will be the final time school districts can budget outside their state-imposed budget limit for utility costs, including lights, phones, water and garbage removal.)
Last month, officials hosted a pair of community forums to collect input regarding re-prioritizing expenditures, increasing class sizes and eliminating specific programs in order to balance the district’s budget. Mr. Frison said about 25 community members attended each meeting.
The story was much different April 8, when parents, students and staff members packed inside the CCUSD Governing Board Room, 33016 N. 60th St. Some even found themselves standing outside for part of the evening as they listened to the meeting through two open doors.
Proposed reductions
The community showed up in response to discussion that took place during an April 2 meeting. Staff presented governing board members with a list of proposed reductions, including the number of gifted teachers, funding for extracurricular activities and the band’s string program.
The proposal reappeared before the board April 8 with a few modifications but with the same items listed on the chopping block.
Among the items on the list, administrators suggested the board reduce 18 teachers ($804,600 savings) by increasing class sizes, let go of two gifted teachers ($89,400 savings), eliminate three more teachers ($137,916 savings) by shifting elementary school band and string programs to outside of the school day and reduce the number of special education staff ($193,736 savings). They also recommended reducing the amount of money used to fund extracurricular activities ($145,147 savings), leaving parents to shoulder potentially higher program fees.
Other cutbacks on the list included instructional coaches, counselors, administrative assistants, nurses, library technicians, instructional aides, supplies and late bus runs.
Board member Javier Ledesma said the situation has turned into a “feeding frenzy” in the midst of the budget process.
“It’s a shame that this community turns on each other,” he said. “I’ve got community members calling me to cut Spanish Immersion, I’ve got people saying cut International Baccalaureate, what about the honors program, football parents saying we’ll cut the minor sports to keep major sports funded.”
Mr. Ledesma added he received threats before the meeting, though he did not elaborate on the issue.
Public comment
During the meeting, 19 community members approached the microphone to offer their points of view on the issue. Most comments focused on the possible reduction of funding for extracurricular activities and termination of gifted teachers.
Destry Fields, student body president at Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, said extracurricular activities should remain untouched by the budget cuts.
“At Cactus Shadows, you’re not a math student and you’re not a science student,” Mr. Fields said. “You’re an athlete. You’re a football player. You’re a basketball player. You’re a swimmer. It’s not about what academic you’re in. It’s what you do in high school that defines you. You’re a Falcon.”
Parent Kevin Aholt said the school district should not single out athletics.
“Just two years ago, the students delivered something like five championships,” he explained. “It brought your community together and was the first time you really had people getting excited about something.”
Parent Rod Maroney also spoke in support of extracurricular activities. He said he would be willing to pay more money in order for his children to still have the opportunity to participate in such programs but others are not able to do so. He offered an informal survey of his neighborhood.
“If these programs are cut, one of my daughter’s friends will go,” Mr. Maroney explained. “She’ll take two friends with her and her younger sister will go. Those competing school districts to the south are going to be the ones who are picking up those kids and picking up the state money.”
Parent Judi Holm pleaded with the board to not shift elementary school band programs outside of the school day. She noted such an action could have negative effects on the high school marching band.
Real estate agent Brett Barry said the board is failing the school district’s students and parents. He said a district that has grown so rapidly should not be cutting some of its most important programs.
“People buy homes here and have for many years because of the top quality of the schools,” Mr. Barry said.
Mr. Barry said a move to cut some of the programs listed on the proposal could cost CCUSD its “excelling” AZ Learns designation. The move would also encourage him to consider looking at other education venues for his children, including charter schools.
“Reach deep down in yourselves and come up with some leadership here, which is badly needed and has been nonexistent for some time,” Mr. Barry added. “This is very serious stuff.
“I don’t think you really understand the depth of what’s going on. I don’t think you should cut one single program I saw on that board. Keep them all. Each one is valuable in its own right.”
Board's response
Board member Susan Clancy challenged the public speakers and other community members in the room to get involved in the process.
“No one really shows up until you start to see what begins to hurt,” she said.
Clerk Lisa Doche agreed.
“I’m tired of taking the wrap for this district,” Ms. Doche noted. “You parents and community members have a personal responsibility to this district and supporting this district, as well, on the development of it.
“So I’m not going to stand up here as a whipping post anymore. We have provided a lot of forums for community and parent input. What a shame you’re coming the night before we have to make this decision.”
Board member Marvin Christensen, Ed.D., took the lecture on involvement one step further.
“What determines the amount of revenue we receive?” he asked. “The answer is simple — there’s a group of people who sit in downtown Phoenix and pass laws on how we get our money and how we can spend our money.
“All of you people who are sitting out there tonight — even those of you who are chastising the school board for failing to act as leaders — should go down there to the legislators and sit on their desks for a while and let them know how upset you are about what’s happening at your schools because they are making laws that do not value education.”
Special meeting
About four and a half hours after the April 8 meeting began, governing board members spent a few minutes attempting to deliberate the list of reductions but were unable to come to any agreements.
In all, 39 CCUSD teachers were on the chopping block. Laws stating teachers need to be notified of terminations by April 15 forced the board to schedule a special meeting for April 13 and make a decision regarding the school district’s 2008-09 budget.
At the special meeting, the board voted 7-1 to adopt a revised list of reductions that salvaged many of the programs of which community members exhibited support on April 8.
Although gifted classes and elementary school band received a reprieve, officials decided to reduce the number of special education staff members, library technicians, nurses, instructional aides, administrative assistants, and instructional coaches. The strings program also remained on the chopping block, as did $85,147 in extracurricular activities funding and 18 regular education classroom teachers spread across all grade levels.
CCUSD spokeswoman Nedda Shafir stated in an e-mail the board opted to use $295,000 in one-time contingency funds to augment the budget.
Ms. Reese, the only member who voted against the adoption, stated in an e-mail the special meeting was well-attended by parents, community members, students and teachers.
"There were a few reasons I voted 'no,'" she explained. "First of all, I was greatly concerned with using contingency funds. Those funds are generally used for one-time use items, such as when a chiller breaks, a fire alarm panel needs replacement or a plumbing issue arises."
The governing board president added some of those issues could have been addressed pro-actively had the district's bond and capital override passed last November.
"Some board members made comments that they thought that this was the time to use those 'rainy day' funds," she noted. "I, on the other hand, commented that while it may be raining now, it could pour later and we might find ourselves unable to provide necessary relief."
Ms. Reese also voted "no" because CCUSD's administrators and principals worked diligently to come up with a budget they could live with.
"They had plans to address the cuts on their individual campuses and I value their expertise and knowledge of their own sites and their ability to provide what is best for their students while living within the budget," she stated.
Teachers talk
At the April 8 meeting, Cave Creek Education Association President Chris Hazeltine and former president Linda Garvin discussed teachers' salaries. Ms. Garvin noted salary increases are vital to cover teachers' costs of living, which increase every year.
“As you put programs into this, you also need to realize that we've not talked at all about honoring the commitment of teachers ... and the sacrifices they make financially every year,” she told board members.
Mr. Hazeltine added CCUSD's surplus “constitutes the blood of teachers.”
“This is like selective surgery on the educational body,” he said. “The programs and specific teachers you have been talking about are very important.”
Mr. Hazeltine noted a salary freeze could result in a teacher retention issue.
“The faith to ride it through will quickly diminish,” he said. “We will not become competitive with any of the surrounding districts and it becomes a bigger issue.”
After the April 13 meeting, Ms. Garvin explained in an e-mail the board had not yet made any decisions with respect to salaries.
“We are still negotiating,” she stated. “The budget has to be cut and, sadly, the only way to do that is [to] cut positions.”
Ms. Garvin noted the budget crisis is actually three years in the making and involves legislative decisions. She listed corporations' tax breaks, private schools' tax credits and a failure to increase taxes to fund education at a level comparable to the rest of the nation as contributing factors.
“Cave Creek is not in any different position than other districts across the state,” Ms. Gavin added. “The only districts that flourish are those with rapid growth. Chandler just gave staff a 3.5 percent increase in salary. So imagine that you are a young Cave Creek teacher or recent graduate who can't afford to buy a house in Cave Creek. Where are you going to end up working next year? That will be the greatest 'cut' we suffer.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Hazeltine is dismayed and disheartened by the newly approved budget.
“While no one likes to have positions and programs cut, I believe how the governing board proceeded was dismissive to the work of the school principals,” he explained, mirroring Ms. Reese's comments. “The proposed budget provided by the principals, while painful, was at least sustainable. It was not reliant upon uncertain money.”
Mr. Hazeltine added use of CCUSD's contingency funds will only make problems worse.
“Dr. Frison valiantly attempted to make clear that 'rainy day' funds are best suited for one-time-only things - not for salaries and programs that must be accounted for year after year,” he explained. “The board's ears were deaf.
“As the president of the Cave Creek Education Association, I have several profound concerns facing me. Money used this year for salaries will not be there next year because it came from non-renewing funds. Furthermore, those funds were best suited for things such as facilities repair. We have several older schools in our district that may not have the needed funds to apply to their general maintenance.
The essence of the situation, according to Mr. Hazeltine, is the governing board postponed CCUSD's budget problems for one year.
“Next year, we will be faced with a reduction in the per-pupil amount from the state, programs and positions that may return to the chopping block because they were funded by non-renewing, one-time-only funds and an infrastructure that may not have the necessary funds to support common maintenance.
Final thoughts
Ms. Reese appreciates the fact she lives in a community that is able to come to CCUSD's aid.
"Thankfully, many people and groups do," she stated.
Ms. Reese encourages community members to donate money to CCUSD through the tax credit program.
"Those dollars can could address several budgetary items such as extracurricular activities," she explained. "I would also like to call on our community to step up and help us by choosing to support a program they are passionate about.
"But most of all, we must have our entire community show up at the polls every time we have an issue on the ballot. Voter apathy is the biggest obstacle when trying to pass bonds/overrides."
Registered members are encouraged to comment on this topic by clicking “reply” in the upper right corner of this entry. Comments posted online may be used in an upcoming edition of the North Scottsdale Independent. For more news, visit http://circulation.newszap.com to purchase an e-Subscription. As an e-Subscriber, you will be able to view the actual newspaper pages online, including every story, feature, advertisement and photo.Last edited on Wed Apr 16th, 2008 05:12 pm by Joey Airdo
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