WIUM Local
(2008-04-29)
Several cost-cutting moves could keep some programs from being cut this fall.
Superintendent John Henriksen says eight Central Lee teachers, who accepted an early retirement incentive, are not expected to be replaced next year.
He says the district pledged to keep the programs if enough retirements went through.
Henriksen says the district is also shifting its high school from an eight-block schedule, in which classes meet every other day, to a standard schedule where classes meet everyday.
He says the district's certified budget determines how much money can be spent, not how or where it will be spent.
Henriksen says that will be determined this summer, though he says next year's budget does include a $0.50 property tax rate hike.
A significant unknown in Central Lee's budget for the next school year is teacher pay.
Henriksen says the district and the Central Lee Education Association have already went through mediation.
He says if a deal cannot be reached soon, binding arbitration is the next step.
You can hear more with Central Lee School Superintendent John Hendriksen by clicking the audio link above. © Copyright 2009, wium
