Lincoln schools likely will open next fall with fewer staff members, larger classes and less in the way of custodial services.
Trustees of the Western Placer Unified School District recently approved $2.9 million in cuts for the 2008-09 school year in response to a recent drop in enrollment and in anticipation of rising costs and flattened state funding.
The board voted 4-1 on May 20 in favor of several recommended cuts to the Lincoln-based district's $40 million budget. Adjustments to the general fund also will result in managerial fixes and decreased transportation and food services for the district.
Approving the proposal were board President Paul Carras and trustees Brian Haley, James McLeod and Paul Long. They expressed hope that staff positions could be reinstated if the state budget picture improves in the summer.
"It's like trying to balance your checkbook without knowing how much (money) you're going to bring home," Carras said. "It's scary."
Board member Ana Stevenson voted against the budget cuts, heeding concerns about loss of aides in kindergarten classrooms and a principal for Sheridan Elementary in the small Sheridan community. Beginning in August, the school will share a principal with Phoenix High School in Lincoln.
"Sheridan is a unique community, and Sheridan Elementary is a central meeting ground," Stevenson said, explaining that it is difficult to lay off Principal Chris Knutson, whom she praised as an asset to the district.
Staff reductions will account for 68 percent of the district's budget cuts.
Specific cuts will include eliminating kindergarten aides from classes with two teachers, decreasing custodial services 10 percent across the district, reducing clerical positions at elementary schools and realigning staffing levels at campuses.
The current budget reductions are similar to those planned in some other area school districts, but Western Placer last year also delayed completing construction on the new Twelve Bridges High School. The district cited budget concerns caused by a sudden drop in developers' fees as the housing market fell, coupled with ongoing interest payments for financing past school construction.
Call Lakiesha McGhee at (916) 773-7630.
