BOONE, Iowa—After years of reductions in enrollment and declining general fund revenues, the Boone School Board voted to reduce the budget for the next school year by a minimum of $600,000. The Board followed up that vote with a vote to accept the budget reduction proposal, eliminating Orchestra, a Teacher Leadership position, the Family Consumer Science program at the middle school and a staff member from the Business Department.
Declining enrollment reductions at the elementary schools have led to a reduction in sections. The proposal approved by the board will right size the number of staff associated with the elementary classroom sections. The reduction will reportedly reduce a Full-Time equivalent in physical education, art and music at the elementary levels. Some felt it would eliminate those programs at the elementary level but that is not the case.
From the support staff, one custodial position will be eliminated. Other positions will be handled through the ongoing process of attrition.
The Board was told that if current trends continue, a similar reduction could be considered next year.
About the Author
