The Kansas CW | Budget Cuts Affect Districts Differently
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by Denise Hnytka (Kansas)
There may be nearly 260-million dollars in cuts. Agencies across the state continue to analyze the impact of the governor's proposal to balance the state budget.
The cuts include 50-million dollars from highway maintenance, two million from regents universities, and 36-million from public schools. It's a financial situation that both small and large districts have to face. But they are going to be affected differently.
In Hutchinson, it is the kids who get to turn the dirt on what will become new classrooms at Faris Elementary.
"It is fun to see the excitement," said Hutch Superintendent Dr. David Flowers. "Because we are doing this for them."
But Flowers said the kids are now caught in the middle of budget cuts. He said the district could lose 700-thousand dollars in state funding.
"We will have to freeze the purchase of library books, delay the purchase of text books, those kinds of things," said Flowers.
The cheers at Halstead High school aren't about a future project, but one they've already completed. The district is celebrating several state "Standard of Excellence" awards. But maintaining that level while facing an eleven percent funding cut is what parents call frightening.
"That's one thing that really kept me wanting to stay close to a small town atmosphere," said Shelley Armstrong, a parent. "I want my kids to have that individual one-on-one attention. It is so important for children to excel."
Class sizes may be the first change in Halstead schools. That's because small districts are already so lean. They've already cut the small things, like new books and field trips.
"Realistically, most of our budget is tied up in personnel contracts that will play out over the course of this year," said Halstead Superintendent Tom Bishard, when asked about where cuts could be made.
Neither school knows exactly what comes next, but they both said they're staying positive about their futures.
