N. Thurston OKs budget cuts

Plans to cut teaching and staff positions, bus routes and academic programs in North Thurston Public Schools are under way after board members approved two 2008-09 budget proposals Monday.

One budget lists $3.8 million in cuts that includes passage of a maintenance and operations levy that will be on the ballot May 20. It's the district's second attempt to pass the renewal levy after voters rejected it in February.

A second budget lists $17.5 million in cuts in case the levy fails.

More than 100 parents, teachers, principals and other staff members attended Monday's meeting, and about seven people commented on the two budgets.

Kathy Shea, president of the North Thurston chapter of the Public School Employees union, which represents 180 classified staff members such as bus drivers and cooks, said she was concerned about the 25 to 30 bus drivers who will lose their jobs in either budget scenario.

Possible changes

The district is looking to save money by changing start times. High schools would start a half-hour earlier; middle schools would start at 9:20 a.m.

"Why do we not ask for and run levies that will fully fund our needs for our schools?" she asked the board.

School board member Bill Williams said the district asked for the maximum amount allowed by law, but that still didn't cover rising costs.

Shea said the state should fully fund districts so there's not so much reliance on local taxes.

About 74 percent of the district's budget is paid for by the state, 16 percent is paid for by the levy and the rest is covered by federal dollars and other sources.

Carolyn Logue, who has two students in the district, told board members she disagreed with their decision to cut elementary music, art and PE if the levy fails. She said those programs should be a top priority, over administrative jobs and the district's Talented and Gifted program.

"These music, art and physical education teachers do more for my kids in these schools than a lot of people in administration. ... (Students) might find through music, art or PE that they have a special talent," she said.

She also disagreed with the decision to start high school earlier, as research shows early mornings are not an optimal learning time for teens.

Other parents commended the board for protecting some TAG funding.

Colleen Stinson, who has two children in TAG, said gifted students have special needs.

"They don't do well in a regular program. They are at risk," she said.

Board members said they had no easy choices and tried to uphold what's best for students.

"This is not a happy time. This is not a happy task we have had. Our staff has listened .... to try and make the best judgment call," Williams said.