Local News
Mankato schools set reduction timeline
MANKATO — Budget cuts may still be several months away for Mankato Area Public Schools, but the School Board approved a timeline for the process on Monday.
Jerry Kolander, business manager for Mankato schools, iterated to board members that reductions are not yet a certainty and that accurate budget estimates won’t be available until January.
That month, teachers and school districts must reach contract settlements or risk a $25-per-pupil penalty. Also, Kolander said, the district will have a better idea of enrollments and staffing needs, especially at the new Rosa Parks Elementary where the district is still determining attendance levels.
“Hopefully, we won’t have to use these actions,” said Kolander about the reduction timeline, which pegs May 3 as the meeting when the board will make final decisions on possible cuts.
“But we do need to be prepared.”
Last year, the district reduced its budget by $3 million, cutting more than 50 full-time positions and reducing several extra-curricular activities and students clubs.
But in order to maintain a one-month expenditure reserve in the budget — per School Board policy — Kolander said another reduction is possible for the 2010-11 school year.
The causes, he said, are varied but not unexpected.
School districts generally plan on an annual expenditure increase of 2 to 3 percent for staff salaries. And while district and union officials in Mankato are still negotiating a contract for teachers, a similar increase is likely without some sort of wage freeze.
In addition, the district’s enrollment projections for this school year were about 40 students above the actual totals. With state aid amounting to slightly more than $5,000 per pupil, that’s an immediate loss of at least $200,000 in funding.
“That’s a revenue glitch we didn’t count on,” Kolander said.
Kolander further said there is no guarantee that state lawmakers won’t reduce state funding in the next legislative session in response to the state’s own budget challenges. Last year, the K-12 budget was frozen for the biennium and some aid payments were delayed.
District officials will begin meeting with principals and staff leaders in the coming weeks to discuss enrollments and budget forecasts. If needed, the School Board will take official action to begin the reduction process in March.
- Local News
-
-
Repeated snow days add up to scheduling headache
The problems go beyond classes to community recreation and education.
-
East grad killed in accident
Dustin Lemke was hit by another vehicle as he walked
-
Winter weather watch, road conditions
MnDOT's up to the minute Road conditions map.
See the National Weather Service continually updated Weather forecast
- School closing announcements
-
Life Remembered: Claire Faust a builder of connections
Claire Faust was also a dedicated Kiwanian.
-
Mississippi River water quality meetings set
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is holding public meetings on a water quality standard proposed for the south metro Mississippi River.
-
Rail leader reports growing Asian market
Though the recession roiled the rail industry in 2009, the head of a Texas-based railway company is bullish about its Asia-enhanced future.
-
Mankato utility reform approved
The Mankato City Council approved changed Monday on how water utility bills are paid.
-
Weird News: Economy is going to pot
-
Public safety finalist ousted from previous job
Todd Miller, one of the four finalists to be Mankato's public safety director, had a controversial tenure in Terrell, Texas.
- More Local News Headlines
-
