Re-1J school preliminary budget delayed until state funding numbers determined

Until school districts get the word on funding from the State, preliminary budgets for 2020-21 that were to be completed June 1 will be delayed.

Discussion surrounding Holyoke School District’s budget was held at the May 19 Board of Education meeting. A couple of days later, it was learned that the June 1 deadline was extended.

When the state Legislature determines a dollar figure for state funding, the deadline for submitting the preliminary budget will be announced.

In the meantime, Budget and Finance Director Ben Rahe told the board that not much had changed since he reported at the May 5 meeting.

Anticipating a reduction in state funding, Rahe shared two potential revenue structures — one with a 10% reduction and the other with 15%. “We have plans in place to try to mitigate some of the expenses,” added Rahe, noting that they will know a whole lot more once they receive funding numbers.

Superintendent Kyle Stumpf said the administrative team has discussed spending trends to see if they’re staying consistent.

They’ve already talked about reductions, including little things like eliminating color copies at a cost savings of around $15,000.

“We’re trying to come up with a different word than ‘cuts,’” Stumpf added, citing that “budget efficiencies” is perhaps a better term. They just don’t want to panic people.

Absolutely no decisions are on the table until numbers are received. But Stumpf said they have sort of looked at three tiers of cut potential.

While they can do all kinds of speculation, they won’t really know what they’re looking at until they know the decrease in rural funding, the increase in the budget stabilization factor and the per pupil revenue funding amount.

Moving forward, Stumpf emphasized they will be as efficient as they can. They’re hearing that there will be cuts for 2020-21, and even bigger cuts for 2021-22 and into 2022-23.

Since the district increased the reserve fund last year, money could be taken from the reserves this year. However, Stumpf pointed out that they can’t do that three years in a row.

Board member Dusty Sprague pointed out that it’s a very difficult situation. They don’t want to have an unbalanced budget, but there are so many unknowns that it’s difficult to navigate.

Board members agreed that they shouldn’t target specific areas until they have the information regarding dollars available from state funding.

However, as Rahe noted, it’s a matter of being transparent to the community. The point of the discussion last week was just to get the message out there that they’re potentially looking at cuts.

“We’re not trying to pull the trigger on anything, but we have to be prepared,” said Rahe. Once the school finance information is received, they won’t have a whole lot of time to make decisions.

In further financial information, Stumpf said they’re actively looking at different insurance options with regard to liability, property and health insurance plans.

BEST grant application moves forward positively

Stumpf reported that the school district’s Building Excellent Schools Today grant application has made the short list and is looking favorable for funding.

The district project is primarily for high school secure entry and access renovations, requesting $2.53 million in funds.

A virtual meeting with the BEST committee was held May 14. One committee member didn’t understand how the Holyoke project fit under the health and safety category. Stumpf said the district felt it was the best place for the application.

The committee voted 8-1 for the Holyoke project to make the short list. Official grant awards will be made in mid-June.

Of the 67 grant applications, Holyoke’s ranked No. 25. Stumpf said BEST is proposing that all applications get some recognition from the State. The state budget will determine which final projects are approved.

Stumpf said it is very likely the Holyoke project will be funded. There is $160 million allocated, and the local district’s project is in the first $40 million. If approved, work on the project would begin next spring/summer.

What will school look like in the fall?

In-person classes and level of activities allowed will be topics for ongoing and potentially ever-changing conversation as the community, state, nation and world move forward during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stumpf noted that school officials are aware that it’s likely school districts will resume in the fall with very strict guidance.

He said BOCES schools are pondering what might be done together — looking at online options across the Northeast BOCES region.

Additionally, Colorado Association of School Executives is trying to make sure student count is not affected next fall, Stumpf added.

He also cited consideration for optional procedures in bus transportation if social distancing is in line. Even though school is not in session this summer, Stumpf anticipates a great deal of conversation on updates for the fall.

Meals for age 1-18 to continue

Since meals for youth age 1-18 were available for pick-up Monday-Friday, starting March 23, more than 10,000 meals have been served, Stumpf told the board last week. Chartwells Food Service has reported providing an average of 250 meals per day, and for the past several weeks has also served to three day cares in the Holyoke community.

Chartwells will continue to monitor participation, but as long as the program is being used, the lunches will continue to be made available through the summer.

Pickup is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday, in front of the elementary school. Each meal package per child will provide lunch for the day and breakfast for the next day.

On a financial note, Stumpf noted there are both debits and credits on the school lunch account, dating from several years back. Going forward, the district plans to stay on top of not only the lunch fund but also class dues and other fee payments that are due early in the school year.

Clayton hired for JR/SR high counselor position

Current JR/SR high science teacher Ashley Clayton was hired for the JR/SR high counselor position for the 2020-21 school year at last week’s meeting.

In recommending her for the position, Principal Shane Walkinshaw noted that she has been working over the last year to obtain a master’s degree in special education and linguistic studies from the University of Colorado to support her fellow staff members when providing for response to intervention students.

She will switch over to a pursuit of a certified master’s degree in school counseling with the Adams State University cohort.

HGTI plan created

Board member Summer Maloney, who serves as the district’s liaison with the business group involved, reported that a plan has been created for the Home Grown Talent Initiative. It reflects the direction the district wants to be headed in the next couple of years.

She shared a video prepared by teacher Shauna Strecker that was a part of the plan that was submitted.

Purpose of the HGTI is to create pathways for kids to succeed ­— engaging students who don’t necessarily learn in a traditional way.

“We want the community to have a voice in what we do in the school,” noted Maloney.

In implementing career exploration, the district is looking to revamp the ICAP class in grades 7-12, calling it a seminar class. Students will build a portfolio starting in their seventh grade year.

Counselor Angela Powell, who will assume the role of JR/SR high principal July 1, said the ultimate goal is that each student’s capstone will be presented before graduation. This also ties in with the Student-Centered Accountability Program, she added.

Internships and business partnerships are a big focus for the HGTI, as well. Stumpf said it is hoped that every senior will have completed an internship before they make a choice as to what they’re doing after high school.

The base of HGTI in Holyoke will push for a Holyoke graduate to demonstrate the following five qualities: professionalism, career connectedness, social and emotional balance, perseverance and effective communication.

Maloney emphasized that this is an ongoing grant and at this point the focus is on strategies and ideas to implement the first year.

Other business

In other business May 19, the Re-1J board:

— Noted the district will be moving forward to make a decision on an energy performance contract with Schneider Electric at a June board meeting. Stumpf said the district has reached out to PC Telcom to provide the opportunity to bid on some of the details within the potential project.

— Decided to keep start-time of any regular meetings during the summer at 7 p.m. rather than changing to 8 p.m.

— Received information on the Colorado Association of School Boards’ revised policies on graduation requirements.

— Gave second-reading approval on CASB policies covering executive sessions, nonresident student application for admittance, preparation for postsecondary and workforce success, and crisis management.

— Approved first reading of CASB policies presented May 5 on the topics of concurrent enrollment and code of conduct.