Work Hour Reductions, Addition of Teacher Impact Riverview Budget

The addition of an elementary teacher at and the reduction of hours for some teachers has made an impact on the proposed Riverview School District 2012-13 budget.

On Monday, the school board continued its budget discussion, and business manager Frank Thompson announced that the proposed millage rate increase on real estate taxes decreased from last week—from 0.6336 mills to 0.5686 mills (about $56 for someone owning a $100,000 home).

That decrease stemmed from the proposal of a reduction of hours for four Riverview High School employees in the foreign language, physical education and instructional support departments. Two teachers' hours were reduced to 75 percent and two were reduced to 50 percent. All positions will be part time, as opposed to the current full time status—a savings of $155,000 to the district.

High school Principal Jay Moser said all personnel impacted by the possible change have been notified.

Thompson said the reduction in hours was a result of lower student enrollment.

However, at Tenth Street Elementary, an additional teacher might be hired for $65,000 due to large class sizes in the sixth grade. There currently are 51 students who are enrolled to attend sixth grade next school year, meaning there would be 25 and 26 students in each section.

Thompson said the number of students enrolled at the school typically increases during the summer months.

Rather than investing in an additional teacher, school board member Dori Tompa suggested offering parents of Tenth Street students the option to attend the sixth grade at if they are concerned about class size.

Board member Lisa Ashbaugh said she didn't think parents would jump on the opportunity to do that. She said she thinks it's important to invest in small class sizes, especially with a new math curriculum on the horizon for district sixth-graders.

The board is expected to vote on a final budget during its June 18 meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. at Riverview High School's library. Though officials can make changes to the budget from now until it has been approved, district Superintendent Chuck Erdeljac urged the board to give the go-ahead to the current proposal.

"We think a 0.5686-mill increase is an appropriate one," he said. "No one likes to see taxes go up, but we need to keep our strategic plan in mind."

Board member Arlene Loeffler said she would like for the millage rate to decrease even more.

The budget also includes:

• An additional $45,000 for the , upping the total to $145,000.
• Two state-certified nurses and one registered nurse. This arrangement currently is in place, but officials the structure.
• An additional $10,000 exams. This would be the first time the district foots the bill, though officials must discuss if they will pay in full or just for students who achieve a certain score.

Mike McNally, gifted teacher and Riverview Education Association president, said he understands the school board has had to make some very tough decisions this budget season. He also said the topic of the central administration's growth comes up often.

"I know the board doesn't make these decisions lightly," he said. "They really seem to care make students the first priority, so we couldn't be more appreciative.

"These are unpleasant times, and people need to ask these tough questions. Belt tightening is going to be a topic and a need for years to come."

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