Nearly 550 students, parents and teachers packed two public forums in February to voice concerns about Hutto ISD budget cuts that could include such measures as charging a transportation fee for busing and going to a four-day school week.
The district faces finding $1.2 million in cuts from its projected $38.9 million 2012–13 school year budget following a failed tax ratification election in November.
Concerns centered largely on fees for transportation and certain sports, eliminating some sports-related transportation and the district's Legacy Early College High School program.
"My parents have trouble keeping up with the bills. So does everyone I've talked to. I just think it'd be more of a burden if you add an athlete fee," said Steven Kelley, a freshman football player at Hutto High School.
Eleventh grader Jeff Woolverton proposed the district expand its bus advertising efforts to include the Hutto High School tennis court fences.
The district has prioritized potential cuts and revenue streams into Tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cuts. Tier 1 changes could go into effect immediately or next school year. Tier 2 and 3 would depend on whether voters approve or reject a 13 cent tax rate increase in September.
Some of the controversial Tier 1 cuts include:
- Restructuring Legacy Early College High School program—$281,000
- Implementing a up to $100 per semester transportation fee—$150,000
- Charging for golf, swimming and tennis—$31,250
- Eliminating travel to away sports games for band, cheer and drill teams—$22,000
Tier 1 cuts would amount to a total of $757,678 if they are approved.
Tier 2 cuts include eliminating two art and two music teaching positions, among other reductions, that would cut $345,000 from the district's expenditures.
Tier 3 cuts total $834,000 and could include charging for cross country and powerlifting, eliminating two band assistants, increasing student/teacher ratios and reducing counselors or assistant principals.
Tier 4 cuts are worst-case scenarios proposing a four-day work week and studying year-round—a school track for the 2013–14 school year that allows for campus closure, offering only minimum transportation and one principal for multiple campuses.
Tier 1, 2 and 3 changes would amount to $1.9 million if they are approved. Tier 4 cuts have not been calculated.
"We don't know how we can stay away from impacting students in the classrooms," Superintendent Doug Killian said. "We will be impacting programs in classrooms this next year because we took such a big hit last year."
Hutto ISD staff presented proposed cuts to the board of trustees March 8.
For a budget cuts Q&A, survey and more, visit www.hipponation.org/budget or email [email protected].
