• E-Mail
• Print
• Larger
• Smaller

Published: Saturday, Jun. 27, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Jun. 27, 2009 12:25 AM

Support builds for rethinking layoffs

Patterson joins pair in questioning district's plan to pare nine positions

FORT MILL -- 

A third Fort Mill school board member said he's in favor of rethinking a spending proposal for next school year in order to save jobs and avoid cuts to academic support programs.

School board member Scott Patterson on Friday joined fellow board members Michael Johnson and Patrick White in calling for a closer look at other options to save money in the coming school year, including sending employees on unpaid leave.

Patterson, who was on vacation and couldn't be reached earlier this week for a story on the issue, said he is in favor of taking advantage of a new state law that for one year relaxes restrictions over how school districts spend money. One of the options allowed under the so-called “flexibility law” is employee furloughs.

“I'm right on line with Michael and Patrick about how to use flexibility,” Patterson said. “We need to look at everything. That's what we're charged to do.”

The district faces a $2 million budget shortfall for the coming school year.

Fort Mill schools Superintendent Keith Callicutt has said his decision to not include furloughs is part of an effort to protect teachers, which he believes is in the district's best interest.

Assistant Superintendent Leanne Lordo has said the budget was crafted in a way to position the district for the future.

Patterson's decision means that the seven-member board could reach a split decision Monday night, when the proposed budget comes up for a vote.

School board members Diane Dasher, Wyndie Havnaer and Jan Smiley have said they support the spending plan as it is. As chairwoman, Smiley would vote only in the event of a tie.

School board member Chantay Bouler said she's still pondering the budget.

To make up the $2 million shortfall, district officials have proposed the following:

Raising taxes on all properties except owner-occupied houses by just under 3 percent. For example, the owner of a retail business or a rental house valued at $100,000 would pay $36 more in property taxes for school operations, under the proposal.

Allowing class sizes for kindergarten through fifth grade to grow by one student — that would mean one teacher for every 21 students in kindergarten through second grade; and one teacher for every 22 students in third through fifth grade.

Laying off nine employees, including three media assistants, two home-school workers, two child care providers and two teachers.

Canceling Spanish classes for elementary school students, to save $308,000.

Eliminating reading specialists at each of the district's three middle schools, to save $207,000.

Trimming $1,000 from the annual bonus teachers receive for earning certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. That would bring the bonus down to $2,000, saving the district $200,000.

Canceling a swimming program for second-graders, to save $20,000.