Madison Schools Face $10 million in Budget Cuts
Budget cuts forced by state-imposed revenue controls
may result in the elimination of 138 positions and larger class sizes
in Madison public schools, officials announced Thursday (March 11, 2004).
Superintendent Art Rainwater introduced a $308 million
2004-05 budget - a 1.4% increase over this year's budget. He said it
would take $318 million - a 4.2% increase - to maintain the current
level of services.
Rainwater said revenue controls prevent the district
from increasing its budget by more than 1.4%.
The district avoided large cuts last year because
of a successful $3.3 million referendum. Officials said another referendum
is unlikely this year.
Under Rainwater's proposed budget:
- Class sizes will increase in the middle and high schools. Elementary
art, music and physical education classes will double in size.
- Special education services will be reduced, and special education
teachers and therapists will face larger caseloads.
- 16 custodians will be eliminated, likely resulting in schools being
cleaned only every other day.
- Athletics will be cut by more than $500,000, resulting in the elimination
of more than 60 coaching positions, elimination of the "no cut"
freshman sports, elimination of freshman and junior varsity golf,
and elimination of athletic directors at the high schools in favor
of one systemwide athletic director.
- Athletic fees will be increased significantly, including a $100
participation fee (formerly $60-$80), a $400 surcharge for hockey
participation, and a $200 surcharge for wrestling, gymnastics and
golf.
The Madison Metropolitan School District Board has scheduled hearings
on the budget plan.
Resource page on school district
revenue controls
Posted March 12, 2004