Saline superintendent lets parents try to solve deficit problem in community forum

With general operating expenses already shaved thin in the projected $52.6 million budget, the result was calls for increased community support to find solutions and for shared sacrifice among teachers who have yet to agree to salary cuts.

Superintendent Scot Graden

And with cuts to school busing and athletic programs looming as the biggest potential savings in lieu of major concessions from the teachers union, the threat is that parents may look for other schools for their kids.

“Is there something a parent or group of parents can do to reach out to the union that’s holding our kids hostage?” asked parent Kym Williams, referring to the Saline Education Association.

Three other Saline unions have conceded $526,000 in salary and benefits.

Graden said personnel costs account for 85 percent of all expenditures. He presented a long list of potential savings, ranging from $10,000 by eliminating the district’s recycling program to $1.8 million by eliminating transportation.

The suggested changeover of middle school sports to an entirely pay-for-play program would save $66,000. Increasing elementary school class sizes would trim $560,000.

A 20 percent overall reduction in expenses not related to staffing is sought, Graden said. Ways to increase revenue - such as expanding the schools of choice program through sixth grade to raise $70,000 - are also being discussed.

The current deficit projections are based on the expected additional loss of $200 per pupil in state aid, an overall enrollment drop of 90 students and insurance and salary increases.

Savings were gained by closing Houghton Elementary School and cutting a small number of staff positions, among other measures. The retirement of 10 faculty members is expected.

The list of proposed cuts left many people shaking their heads.

“There are no easy solutions,” Kim Birkel said. “But the first and most important thing, as parents, is for all parties and all perspectives to come together to solve the problem in a fair manner.” 

Birkel said many are reluctant to speak out because of Saline’s close-knit atmosphere. She suggested the distribution of a “Did you know?” sheet that would explain how a teachers’ pay freeze would save $750,000.

Brian Woodruff said several members of his discussion group didn’t believe many teachers were in accord with union negotiators, who tend to be senior members of the staff. He calculated the deficit as equal to 28 teaching positions.

“The last thing we want to do is either not compensate teachers what they’re worth or cut teachers,” Woodruff said. “But we’re stuck with only so much money.”

Another community forum is scheduled for April 12, the day before layoff notices go out.

Ronald Ahrens is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com.