Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The New Rockford-Sheyenne School District is considering a number of potential spending cuts, including the release of one of their two music teachers.
After word spread that budget cuts to the music program were on the agenda, dozens of concerned parents, faculty and students attended the NR-S School Board’s regular meeting on March 13.
Currently, NR-S employs Heather Klocke to teach elementary music and Annette Hovey to teach middle and high school music. Any proposed cuts had not previously been discussed in a public meeting, but ahead of Monday night, rumor had spread that one of their positions was on the chopping block.
As the meeting on March 13 got underway, NR-S board president Mike Jacobson altered the evening's schedule to bring the main topic at issue to the front of the agenda. Those in attendance would be allowed to speak their minds right away, which would then be followed by a presentation of preliminary budget information and potential options for spending cuts.
First up to the podium was Joe Greiner, the pastor at the local evangelical-free church, followed by his wife and assistant managing director of DPRCA, Erin Greiner. Both asked the school board not to proceed with cuts to the music program.
Joe Greiner told of how kids who participate in music have higher test scores and are more likely to succeed in their higher education, while Erin Greiner acknowledged the
low number of students in the music program, but asked how anything else could be expected considering the disruption caused by COVID-19 and other factors.
“Our music program can not be expected to be at full steam after what it’s been put through for three years. Do not fail our student body and their families. Please do not limit music in our school. In my very humble opinion, that would be a shameful decision,” she said, prompting an outpour of applause from the audience.
Also asking the school board to remain patient was Annette Hovey, one of the school’s two music teachers. She also responded directly to a suggestion that NR-S could let one of their music teachers go now – while participation in music is down – and hire another in a few years if needed.
Hovey said she’s spoken to music teachers in Bismarck, who’ve said they’re having similar issues getting kids to join band and choir.
“They, in Bismarck, are asking their administration and their board to be patient, because numbers are down even in the bigger cities,” she said. “And we can’t let teachers go, because we may not get quality teachers back.”
Rikka Gudmunson, a freshman at NR-S, was next at the podium, and she implored the school board to refrain from reducing the school’s music staff.
“It is nothing short of a miracle that we have two absolutely amazing teachers for our music program,” she said. “... I fear that if we only have one of these teachers, the music program will not succeed the way that it has been over the past years.”
All totaled, 10 individuals stepped up to the podium and made their opposition known to potential budget cuts of the NR-S music program. Those remarks and the general atmosphere of the meeting remained calm, cordial and respectful throughout the public comment period.
Immediately afterwards, NR-S Superintendent Jill Louters and Business Manager Dave Skogen presented their preliminary budget information, and a total of five options for saving money.
Skogen began by saying the revenue and expense totals for the 2023-24 budget are very preliminary and subject to change. However, as they’re currently projected, the district’s expenses will exceed their revenue by more than $118,000.
Dr. Louters mentioned the administration’s priority of hiring a new full-time elementary teacher when discussing the district’s projected expenses.
“The proposed budget that Dave’s going to review in a minute incorporates the addition of one elementary full time equivalency, or FTE,” said Louters. “The third grade class is currently split with a total third grade population of 26 students.
“It would be the priority recommendation of the administration that this third grade split remain in place for fourth grade,” she continued. “... Early intervention is the key for future success. Twenty-six students would be dramatically impacted if their core instruction was altered by not adding an elementary position.”
Skogen then went over a few factors impacting the district’s protected expenses and revenue, such as inflation, the plan to add an elementary teacher, and the absence of federal funding that has flowed the past three years due to COVID-19.
Next, Dr. Louters went over five options the district has to make up for the $118,000.
Option 1: Utilize the district’s carry-over balance of $725,000 in the general fund, which is typically saved for facility needs in cases of an emergency.
Option 2: Reduce the music program by 1.0 FTE (to let go of one full-time teacher). Louters said projected savings would be approximately $69,000 for this option.
Option 3: Reduce high school social studies by 1.0 FTE, which would save slightly less than option two.
Option 4: Reduce pay for district employees who drive buses from $80 per route to $50 per route. Louters said this option could save the district around $25,000.
Option 5: No longer utilize the East Central building for pre-K education. Louters said this option could save the district around $15,000 in lease payments, but could also impact a $60,000 grant which has requirements for square footage.
Both Jacobson and Dr. Louters noted that these options are only a few potential suggestions at the first of multiple meetings to come, and that more options could be discussed.
No official actions regarding the music program or any other spending cuts were taken at Monday’s meeting. A final budget won’t be officially voted on until July, however, N.D. Century Code requires that the removal of any teaching position must be done by April 15. The school board’s next meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 7 p.m.
Following the meeting, Jacobson put together a statement on his own behalf regarding the discussion that took place Monday night:
“Great feedback from the community on Monday night regarding music,” he said. “I really appreciate it being done in a respectful way.
“School budgets are very complex and especially hard for districts the size of ours to navigate through. Of course, the school wants to offer as much as possible, but this is hard to accomplish sometimes. As I mentioned at the school board meeting, we all look at things through our own lens. Some say music is the most important and please don’t reduce a position. Others would say class size is the most important and please reduce class sizes because some believe smaller class sizes suggest more engagement and a better learning environment, this requires adding teachers. Others would say busing is the top priority for the school board to address, if my kids can’t make it to school what else matters? This could mean adding bus drivers or even buying more mini buses so a driver doesn’t need a CDL to drive a bus. These are just a few items, the list of budget topics is long.
“Everything comes at a cost. I believe the school district does its best to manage the budget. The worst thing the school can do is overspend and must go back to the taxpayer.”
