Superintendent Details Levy Reduction Scenarios To the Board

Forest Hills School District is currently looking at two possible phases of reductions in connection with the May 2, 2023 combination levy request. Superintendent Larry Hook shared a presentation on these topics during the February 15 Board of Education meeting.

The 6.9 mill combination levy includes a 5.4 mill operating levy and a 1.5 mill permanent improvement levy. More details about what kinds of things those levies will fund and their cost to taxpayers can be found at the district’s informational levy webpage here.

The two phases of reduction scenarios cover immediate reductions that are being made, as well as reductions that would have to be considered if the May levy does not pass.

Phase 1 contains approximately $750,000 in immediate reductions that will be implemented at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. These involve reductions of staff members at Central Office, certified positions that will be made possible through retirements and resignations, and other items that are detailed below.

Phase 2 contains approximately $1.6 million in reductions that will need to take place prior to the start of the 2023-2024 school year if the May levy does not pass. The amount of reductions in this phase is based on current levels of deficit spending and what would be necessary to delay a potential negative cash balance.

The cost saving measures in Phase 2 include up to 17 teaching positions, increases to pay-to-participate fees and a restructuring of transportation services that would adjust start times across all buildings by up to 30 minutes.

You can view Superintendent Hook’s presentation here, which begins at the 16:28 mark. You can view the slideshow presentation here.

As detailed by Superintendent Hook, the following chart illustrates the immediate reductions being considered for Phase 1.

Reduction Item 

Central Office Positions

Estimated Cost Reduction

$300,000

Description

Elimination of one administrator and two Learning Design Specialists

Impact - Phase 1

• Reduced alignment in professional development and curriculum between buildings
• Less instructional support for teachers
• Negative impact on district-wide curriculum alignment, development of courses of study, and onboarding of new teachers

Reduction Item 

Secondary Certified Staff

Estimated Cost Reduction

$243,000

Description

Elimination of three teaching positions through retirements and resignations

Impact - Phase 1

• Slight increase in class sizes for impacted courses/departments, which will be determined based on the 2023-24 master schedule
• Potential impact that certain courses may not run based on enrollment and/or staff availability

Reduction Item 

Elementary Certified Staff

Estimated Cost Reduction

$162,000

Description

Elimination of two support roles through retirements and resignations

Impact - Phase 1

• Reduced opportunities to provide intervention support and specialized resources for students

Reduction Item 

Building Budgets

Estimated Cost Reduction

$15,000

Description

Each building will implement a 2.5% reduction in its overall budget

Impact - Phase 1

• Reduced amount of money available to purchase classroom supplies and related items

Reduction Item 

Summer School Staff

Estimated Cost Reduction

$20,000

Description

Reduction of staff members

Impact - Phase 1

• Reduced course offerings during FHSD summer school

Reduction Item 

Preschool Tuition Increase

Estimated Cost Reduction

$9,900

Description

FHSD Preschool Tuition is increasing $308 per student

Impact - Phase 1

• Revenue increase, not a reduction in cost
• Similar tuition level to nearby districts, but could pose affordability concerns for peer model families

Those Phase 1 reductions are part of FHSD’s effort to meet its obligation to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and they also allowed the May levy request to be lower than otherwise possible. The goal of these initial reductions is to reduce costs with minimal impact on student learning.

Phase 2 reductions, which will be necessary if the May levy does not pass, involve approximately $1.6 million in different areas to comply with FHSD Board Policy that requires a cash balance equaling 10% of the operating budget or more. These reductions will have a direct impact on classroom instruction, transportation and extracurricular activities

Reduction Item

Teaching Positions

Estimated Cost Reduction

$882,000

Description

Reduction of as many as 17 certified staff positions, some of which will be moved into roles left vacant by retirements or resignations

Impact - Phase 2

• Increase class sizes
• Reduce course offerings
• Reduce intervention and student support services
• Reduce enrichment supports

Reduction Item

Pay-to-Participate Fees

Estimated Cost Reduction

$344,000

Description

Increase Pay-to-Participate fees for athletics, band

Add Pay-to-Participate fee for theater

(Revenue increase, not a cost avoidance)

Impact - Phase 2

• Athletics
  • Increase the fee to participate by $125 per student, per sport. Cost would become $300 at AHS/THS and $250 at NMS.
• Band
  • Increase the fee to participate by $125. Cost would become $300 per student.
• Theater
  • Add a $175 fee to participate in theater. 

Reduction Item

Transportation

Estimated Cost Reduction

$400,000

Description

Reduction of bus operators, routes and corresponding maintenance/fuel costs

Impact - Phase 2

• District-wide changes to pick-up/start times of up to 30 minutes per building to accommodate fewer routes
• Offsetting start times at elementary buildings
  • Disruption to shared programs like music, arts, band etc.
  • Reduced opportunities for elementary staff to align curriculum during common times in the school day

Any questions about the presentation or levy-related topics can be directed to contact@foresthills.edu.