MUSD keeps tuition-free full-day kindergarten

After weeks of contemplating cutting all-day kindergarten to balance a budget slashed by almost $4 million, the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board decided last night against changing the current system, which board member Geoff Goddard said “has seen results.”

Reducing kindergarten to half-day, thereby forcing interested parents to pay for the second half, would have saved the district $450,000.

Superintendent Jeff Kleck told the board he had been struggling with the issue because of financial strains on the district, but he supported an all-day schedule. “By third grade the students have to be performing at a certain level and all-day kinder helps them get there.” He added that failure to reach those levels would have the district spending time and money later on to remediate students.

Board president Scott Bartle pointed out marketing aspects of the decision to remain full day, a move that would enable the district to compete for student enrollment. He expressed his belief that schools should not be in the business of deciding which students get scholarships or subsidies to cover the full-day kindergarten tuition cost. Previous board discussion indicated some families would struggle with the proposed $125-$155 monthly tuition fee and would need assistance.

No vote was needed for the all-day kindergarten option as it is currently part of the district’s scheduled class offerings.

In a 3-2 split vote the board held off on the second round of reductions in force (RIFs). Nine personnel reductions were recommended by the administration to give them “more leeway” in their efforts to balance the budget.

Board member Patti Coutré thought the decision was premature, citing potential resignations, and adding she still hoped “there are other options out there.” Staff members receiving RIF notices can re-apply to the district if funding and enrollment dictate openings.

Director of Business Services Aron Rausch informed the board of the possibility of additional state cuts that could impact the budget. He presented a one-year freeze on operations costs, such as technology, furniture, curriculum, transportation and maintenance. Those savings would total nearly $700,000.

However, with kindergarten remaining “as is,” the governing board may have to vote again on personnel reductions if the administration cannot find additional savings to balance the budget.

Tom Beckett, human resources director, said the administration would have to “wait and see what developed with the state and resignations,” but they would continue exploring additional cost-saving options to present to the board.

Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for June 22. The board has until July 13 to adopt a budget for 2011-2012.