Entries Tagged 'Schools' ↓
September 22nd, 2009 — Schools
Dear Parent:
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak with you directly about the current financial crisis facing the Baldwin County Public Schools. First and foremost, I want to emphasize that despite the economic challenges that confront us, we have not abandoned our pursuit of educational excellence.
With regard to our funding crisis, we have been forced to cut our general fund budget by more than $75 million from FY 2009 to FY 2010. As a result, at least in the short term, it will be impossible for us to continue to provide the level of service that we have offered in the past. Nevertheless, let me assure you that our administrators, teachers and staff will work tirelessly to serve your needs to the utmost of our ability. However, the harsh reality is that on October 1, we will have 203 fewer support employees than we have today and about 175 of our current employees, who have been performing other needed functions, will be moved into the critical positions left vacant.
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SUPT. SENDS FINANCIAL CRISIS LETTER TO PARENTS
September 18th, 2009 — Schools
After months of spending cuts, shortfalls and layoffs, the Baldwin County Board of Education approved its 2010 fiscal year budget Sept. 10, cutting an additional $1.9 million in the week leading up to the vote in order to meet Alabama’s Sept. 15 deadline
The system’s total budget for 2010 exceeds $267 million, $75 million less than last year’s budget of $342 million. All major categories within the budget took financial hits; instructional services, which makes up 52 percent of the system’s total budget, is $8 million less than in 2009. Instructional support — the next biggest portion of the budget — is almost $5 million less and auxiliary services is $4 million less.
BOE’s 2010 budget thinner than ’09
September 18th, 2009 — Schools
Representatives of Baldwin County education foundations are concerned that some school board members may be favoring an internal candidate for the soon-to-be vacated superintendent’s job.
They told the Press-Register that they want the board to conduct a public national search that would attract top candidates from all over.
They said they’re worried that the board may instead meet one night and vote on a candidate to replace Faron Hollinger, who is retiring in June
Wide ‘super’ search urged for Baldwin schools
Who are the internal candidate that might be interested and/or capable of taking over?
September 15th, 2009 — Fairhope, Schools
September 13th, 2009 — Schools
With the budget approved, Baldwin County education officials are working to prepare for changes to take place when the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
More than 200 employees laid off in order to balance the budget will work their last day for the school system Sept. 30. Other workers will be transferred into many of those positions, Terry Wilhite, school system spokesman, said Friday.
Another resolution passed by the board Thursday night is expected to reduce the number of teachers. Members voted to approve a retirement incentive package for employees.
In a statement before the meeting, Lester Smith, human resources director, said 48 employees had expressed an interest in the new incentive offer. To receive the money, the workers would have to leave by the end of 2009.
School system prepares for impact of budget cuts
September 12th, 2009 — Schools
The Alabama Education Association recently hired Gene Murphree, former vice chancellor for fiscal services at the state Department of Post-Secondary Education, on a temporary basis to analyze the impact of equity funding on Baldwin County, officials said.
John Hudson, Baldwin County representative for the union, said he didn’t know when Murphree might complete a report or what will be done with it.
Former state education official hired by AEA to review impact of equity funding on Baldwin County
Yes, this is the same AEA that criticizes the school board for hiring consultants.
What’s the impact? The impact of equity funding is that we send $45 million to other districts while our kids are sitting in overcrowded classrooms and people here are being fired.
September 12th, 2009 — Schools
September 11th, 2009 — Schools
The Baldwin County Board of Education voted Thursday night to pass a 2010 budget that is more than $75 million less than the 2009 financial plan.
The board voted 6-0, with member Angie Swiger absent, to approve a total budget of $267.2 million. The budget for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 is $342.7 million. Losses in state funding and local revenue were the reasons for the difference, Jean McCutchen, system financial officer, told board members.
“We’re back at 2005 levels of funding with 2009-2010 growth,” Hollinger said. “But Mrs. McCutchen and her staff did an outstanding job. This has not been easy and very difficult steps had to be taken.”
Baldwin County schools back to 2005 funding levels
Baldwin County schools approve budget
September 11th, 2009 — Fairhope, Schools
September 9th, 2009 — Schools
The president’s plan to speak to all school children in a nationally televised speech became a hot topic in Baldwin County; a county where parents typically vote conservative.
Because of the controversy, the Baldwin County School District let principals make the decision whether or not the speech would air. Some of those principals let teachers decide. The vast majority felt the President’s Speech would disrupt the classroom.
The schools that did air the speech chose to remain anonymous, and the school district refused to release their names.
Local 15 News discovered the names of two Baldwin County Schools that did give students the option of listening to President Obama’s speech: Daphne High School and Gulf Shores High School.
Baldwin County Schools Tune Out President’s Speech
How can a school choose to stay anonymous? Parents have a right to know if this video or anything else was shown or not. That is absurd. What else are schools choosing to stay anonymous about?
September 8th, 2009 — Schools
September 4th, 2009 — Schools
People in Baldwin County have got their first look at this year’s school budget at a public meeting Thursday. Some cuts may still have to be made.
The Baldwin County School System has faced a $56 million revenue shortfall. In order to balance the budget, $1.9 million is still needed. Officials are hoping to close the gap with stimulus money and/or a retirement incentive.
Finacial woes continue for Baldwin County schools
September 4th, 2009 — Schools
Baldwin school system spokesman Terry Wilhite said teachers and principals will decide whether to work President Barack Obama’s speech Tuesday to the nation’s schoolchildren, and related assignments, into their lesson plans.
He said parents will be able to decide whether their children will take part
Wilhite urged parents opposed to the speech not to pull their child out for a whole day, but contact their school’s office and inform administrators to give the child an alternative activity during that time.
Baldwin: Speech like any current event
September 1st, 2009 — Bay Minette, Crime, Schools
Controversy surrounding a former
September 1st, 2009 — Real estate, Schools
Baldwin County property owners are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Last year, appraisals were raised, leading many people to contest the amounts. But this year, appraisals will be down eight percent.
But, a lower tax bill means fewer dollars going to schools. Earlier this month, the school board had to layoff more than 150 support workers. So leaders like Spanish Fort Middle School Principal Carol Palumbo are calling on parents to help pick up the slack.
Baldwin Co. property taxes take a dip
