Voting Day

(This article was published in the Carriage Towne News on March 3, 2011 and is being reprinted here.)

During the past year and a half (my arrival at Sanborn), we have worked diligently to review programs, complete curriculum alignment, find efficiencies in the system, and develop a strategic plan to move us toward our goal of becoming one of the top school districts in the State. In previous columns I have discussed some of the programs, curriculum issues, and provided highlights of the Strategic Plan.

On March 8, 2011, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Sanborn Regional School District proposed budget. The budget this year, as presented, is actually lower than the default budget. The proposed budget contains a number of reductions as the result of the program reviews that have been on-going. For example, re-arranging the Middle School schedule allowed us to consolidate some of our services and reduce a teaching section. At the High School, a close review of the Art department indicates that we can safely reduce an art position to half time. These are but two examples of the changes being made as the result of our program review. We have also been able to find additional savings in other areas of the budget as well.

Voters will also be presented with a new contract proposal for our teaching staff. The Sanborn teachers are now in their 3rd year working without a contract. Last year, the contract narrowly failed, in fact a re-count was necessary to determine the outcome. In the end, the contract failed by just seven votes. Teachers continue to work on improving our school system, participating on committees, and striving to help us reach our goals. We are happy to report that the School Board and Teachers worked diligently to produce a contract that meets the needs of the voters as well as the needs of the teachers. Following a public forum in the fall, both sides work to address the public concerns in hopes of finally passing a contract. The contract being presented to the voters contains modest salary increases, language to negate the evergreen clause, and significant changes to health care.

Finally, the voters will be presented with a contract for the support staff of the district. Last years’ contract was not supported by the voters. The support staff contract being presented to the voters contains similar provisions to the teachers contract in terms of the evergreen language, changes in health care, and modest salary increases. Our support staff plays a critical role in the schools and in the lives of our children.

We are hosting an additional opportunity to discuss the budget and the two contracts on March 3, 2011 at the Memorial School in Newton at 7:00 p.m. Our hope is that we can answer any remaining questions you may have prior to the vote on March 8, 2011. We hope that you will join us. If you have any questions or comments about this column, please contact me at bblake@sau17.org.