As budget cuts loom, here are what school districts around Snohomish County are considering:
• Arlington School District: After closing an elementary school and other cutbacks this year, Arlington School District officials are hoping to avoid layoffs for 2011-2012. The district is estimating budget reductions of $1.2 million, and officials plan to host a series of public meetings this month.
n Edmonds School District officials said budget cuts this school year would have been worse had not voters in the district approved a supplemental levy in August. However, cutting the budget for next year won’t be easy, and budget meetings with the public are scheduled.
n In the Everett School District, more than 1,000 people responded to an online survey asking for suggestions on how to slash the budget. School officials estimate that next school year’s budget will have to be cut by $4.15 million.
n The Lake Stevens School District estimates that close to $1 million in additional reductions will need to be made for the 2011-2012 school year. “We expect that class sizes will go up, but we’re giving it some more time to see what’s going to come out of the (Legislature) before we start evaluating where we can go,” said district spokeswoman Arlene Hulten.
n The Marysville School District also is being cautious, waiting to see what’s coming from the Legislature, Superintendent Larry Nyland said. The district estimates a $3.8 million budget gap for the 2011-2012 school year.
n Monroe Middle School will close next year and Monroe School District’s superintendent, principals and administrators plan to forgo pay increases and take unpaid furlough days.
The district expects to lose between $2.3 million and $3.3 million in revenue from the state.
n Mukilteo School District: The public got an opportunity to make suggestions on how to cut $2 million to $3 million from the district’s budget through an online survey this week. People were asked for a list of programs that can’t be cut and if a fee should be charged for students to play sports. The plan is to make cuts without any job reductions, officials said.
n Snohomish School District officials already cut custodial jobs and several administrative positions. Administrators have unpaid furlough days this summer and all staff are paid for fewer hours on Fridays. At its April 13 and April 27 meetings, the school board plans to consider cuts that could include the layoff of 37 teachers.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.