As a dramatic presentation, the meeting of the Austin Public Schools Board of Education may have seemed anti-climatic, especially after the proposed budget cuts passed without much discussion.

Thursday, April 20, 2000

As a dramatic presentation, the meeting of the Austin Public Schools Board of Education may have seemed anti-climatic, especially after the proposed budget cuts passed without much discussion.

One thing is certain after Wednesday night’s meeting: The district operating budget will continue to be looked at, and cost-cutting measures will continue to be explored, board Chairman David Simonson assured.

The meeting opened with public comments about areas targeted for reductions or elimination, and lasted about 30 minutes. After routine agenda items, the nearly $755,000 reduction package was passed without dissent, and with a few amendments.

Board member Larry Andersen moved to amend the budget resolution in order to re-evaluate the high school’s counselor position slated to be eliminated after the 2000-2001 school year.

"We don’t want to forget to look at this one," Andersen said.

The counselor reduction drops the number of positions at Austin High School from four to three.

Amy Baskin added, "I think we’ll look at everything once the Legislature is finished, but due to the time constraints, we need to move on this now."

The board also agreed to look at final registration numbers at the high school, in the event fall classes are markedly higher.

"We need to be responsive and know that what we see in the fall, it may be a direct result of what’s done tonight," board member Kathy Green said.

Cuts approved thus far calculate to:

– $191,950 – elementary schools

– $84,000 – middle school

– $389,861 – high school

– $52,280 – specialists

– $13,000 – administration

– $23,008 – cocurricular salaries

An additional work session has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m. next Wednesday. About $110,000 still needs to be cut from the district’s 2000-2001 budget and the board will likely key in on the areas of administration, and look at ways it can be restructured to save costs.

In other action, the board:

– Accepted a donation in the amount of $974.36 from Target, through the school fund-raising program.

– Recognized members of the Austin High School girls’ hockey team, the state qualifiers from the DECA organization, state speech and history day competitors and members of the all-state choir and orchestra.

– Approved bids for more than 70 computers, utilizing money from a technology-focused grant.

– Approved changes in text to the 2000-2001 handbooks for the Bank School, Ellis Middle School and Austin High School.

– Approved an extended field trip to France in June and July 2001 for high school French students

– Approved a student teaching agreement with Minnesota State University-Mankato.

– Approved a renewal of the Austin’s membership in the Minnesota State High School League.