A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A possible $2 million deficit by June 2009 may lead the Reynolds School District to make deep cuts, although where those cuts may fall is still unknown, according to John Nelsen, school board chairman.
The board will look at a number of options to deal with the financial crisis the district confronts, he said, noting the board wants the district to be operating in the black by June 2009 – and increase its depleted reserves as well.
Chuck Rhoads, the district’s executive director of business services, stressed that the district won’t know if it has a deficit until enrollment figures are final and the first payroll is complete by early October.
Such a low surplus leaves the district vulnerable to any financial challenges that might arise, ranging from increased fuel costs over the next year to possible drops in enrollment, resulting in less state funding, he said.
Rhoads said the reason the district is concerned about a possible $2 million deficit is that in the past, unforeseen budget challenges have often depleted reserves by that figure or even more, and such a challenge could arise in the next several months.
When asked what cuts are being considered – from teacher layoffs to services – Nelsen said no specific plan has been made. However, he stressed: “There are no sacred cows in this process. We will find a way to right the ship.”
Possible cost-saving measures include selling part or all of the 46 acres commonly known as the Pig Farm across Halsey Street from McMenamins Edgefield, Nelsen said.
The district bought the land last year because it wanted to site a middle school and career education high school there. However, Nelsen noted, “It might not be in the long-term interests of the community to sell such an asset.”
The district has been embroiled for weeks now in a crisis over its financial and academic health, which led to the resignation of Superintendent Terry Kneisler earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the board will hold a public workshop at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairview Community Center, 300 Harrison St., on Monday, Sept. 15, to seek community input on the qualifications needed for an interim superintendent.
The board also is expected to interview candidates for the interim position during an executive session, closed to the public, Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The board hopes to have an interim leader in place by Monday, Sept. 22, Nelsen said.
The district board voted 7-0 Wednesday, Sept. 10, to accept Kneisler’s resignation as district superintendent.
The district will pay Kneisler – whom the board awarded a three-year contract earlier this year – one year’s salary of $133,026 and maintain him on its insurance until Sept. 30, 2009.
Among other items in the termination deal, the district will continue to pay Kneisler’s automobile allowance of $412 per month for one year, totaling $4,944.
Under the deal, the district and Kneisler mutually release each other from all claims, causes of action or demands related to his employment and resignation.
Nelsen said he understands taxpayers may not be happy with the deal, but noted that it saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential salary and court costs.
On that note, Kneisler said critics of his severance package should note one thing – the board had approved his contract last spring.
“I wish I hadn’t been severed at all,” he added.
Kneisler and the board released a joint statement after his resignation.
“There comes a time when the consequence of leadership is the need for another face for the district to go on to the next level,” Kneisler said. “This is one of those times.”
Nelsen acknowledged Kneisler’s work on the district’s behalf.
“The board thanks Dr. Kneisler for his work with district students and the compassion with which he approached our youth,” he said.
The joint statement can be seen in full at www.reynolds.k12.or.us
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