|
Superintendent of Schools Dear Staff, The process of developing an educational plan within our available resources for next year is in progress. This past month the efforts have been concentrated on informing all participants of the impact of declining enrollments on our funding and its impact on our educational programs. The meetings with the elementary, PCMS and PCHS staff began this process in early January. Since then the school board members have attended school board meetings in all six towns. The Chairman has prepared a letter for the town reports. I have recently met with the press to begin the process of informing the public. Next week a letter from the Chairman will be mailed to every house in SAD #4 outlining our current and projected situation. This spring the school board will be establishing a special committee or task force to develop recommendations for the organization/structure of the district for future years. The committee or task force will be considering the closing of schools in preparation for the 2001 - 2002 school budget. The School Board's Budget Committee requested the input of the SAD #4 Education Association. At the recent Budget Committee meeting the Association President shared suggestions and was a participant in the discussions. The Administrative Team is meeting on a regular basis and has developed several recommendations for staff reduction, which have been presented to the Budget Committee. 1. Eliminate one-eighth grade position based on reduced enrollment next year at the eighth grade level. 2. Eliminate two (2) elementary classroom positions. The decision on which positions will be made after the kindergarten enrollment/screening is completed on March 6/7. 3. Eliminate PCHS computer teacher position. Current staff will teach two advanced level classes during the first class period each day. An Ed. Tech III computer monitor will be hired to supervise the computer room from 10:00 - 4:00. The computer room will be available for entire classes, project work or individual students. 4. Eliminate (1/2) music position. Elementary music will be maintained. General music at PCMS will be eliminated. One music position will be responsible for 5-12 instrumental and vocal music. The Administrative Team is reviewing several other alternatives for further reductions. The Budget Committee is reviewing the administrative structure and support services. Simply put everything is on the table for discussion. We understand the apprehensions associated with these issues and are anxious to clarify plans for next year. I anticipate that the next few weeks will address these issues. Sincerely, Norman E. Higgins |