Why is an elementary school that consistently has among the highest test grades in its district facing closure?
Massive fund-raisers and sponsorships may be necessary, but the Van Buren school district should keep Haggerty Elementary School open, a parent told the school board Monday...In addition to closing Haggerty next year, the district is considering $420,000 in cuts for this year.
Among the cuts are the layoffs of about 25 people, including about 10 teachers, social workers and counselors. The cuts would occur in the middle of the school year. The mid-year reductions would be to cope with a possible mid-year cut in the state funding, which could range from $50 to $150 per student...
After the meeting, Board Treasurer Keith Johnston said he would support some mid-year cuts but would not support closing Haggerty. "Why are you going to penalize a school for being successful?" Johnston said. Haggerty has consistently had among the highest standardized test scores in the district.
I guess it's all about the money:
Superintendent Pete Lazaroff...said the district learned last week that the state may cut the per pupil foundation grant by $100 per student for this school year. To deal with the reduction, which would cost the district about $607,000, Lazaroff is recommending about $420,000 in cuts to take effect during the middle of the school year. These include eliminating 10 certified staff positions and about 15 other positions and eliminating three high school classes.
For the 2005-06 year, Lazaroff said the district would save about $615,000 in custodial, food service and utilities by closing Haggerty and redistricting the school's students throughout the remaining five elementary schools.
Posted by kswygert at November 30, 2004 03:39 PM