Document text
Tolls to sabbaticals to taxes, parents toss out budget ideas By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Parents have said some of the darndest things while brainstorming over the financial fate of their school system. "Sell out to corporate America," suggested one Ashland resident. "Have Pepsi signs everywhere." Another recommended, "Cut janitorial services - have kids clean and vacuum." Still another said, "Have a toll booth at every drop-off place for the schools." These and hundreds of serious and perhaps not-so-serious proposals have been offered by parents looking for ways to generate more money for Ashland schools. The district must deal with a shortfall of up to $1 million that could grow even higher because of a worsening state economy - possibly up another $1.8 million, if worst-case scenarios prove true. While many of the parents' suggestions would produce savings - "Cut, freeze all salaries" - others would cost more money: "Increase counseling, special education, libraries and elementary foreign language." Ashland schools business manager Loren Luman said the district will consider all the proposals as it struggles to balance the budget. The district has held brainstorming sessions at the elementary schools to get as many comments as possible from the community. The district needs to cut $400,000 somewhere to fund contracted salary and benefit increases and find another $200,000 to $250,000 to upgrade its aging computer system. An enrollment drop of about 50 students is also projected, resulting in a loss of another $250,000 in revenues. Even though some suggestions would cost the district more money, they underscore parental frustration with an educational system that is forced to cut back on programs. In a district in which 88 percent of its $20.5 million budget goes to salaries, there may be little choice but to cut staff positions. Many parents oppose this idea, however. "No more cutting of aides and teachers," said one. In general, if the choice came down to cutting teachers or closing a school, some parents chose the school. "Keep teachers even if you have to close a school building," said one. But other comments included, "Maintain five elementaries." "Maintain all enrichment programs." "Maintain broad range of offerings at Ashland High School." "Maintain class size." Some of the suggestions offered novel approaches: "Teachers (should) be allowed to elect to not take one-quarter to one-fifth of their salary so every four or five years they can take a paid sabbatical." "Shakespeare - can we tax them $1 per ticket to go to school district and same with other businesses?" From more taxes to more school levies, and from shorter school years to an alliance with the Phoenix-Talent School District, the list grows ever longer. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.