Spring Lake Park faces cuts for schools

So far, the district has fared well. But it can't dodge next year's budget woes.

By NORMAN DRAPER, Star Tribune

Last update: June 9, 2009 - 4:31 PM

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Spring Lake Park schools have lead a charmed life over the last few years.

Residents lauded the district in a survey conducted last year. No budget cuts ravaged its schools this year. Thanks to a $95 million bond issue approved by voters in 2006, the district has been able to build a new elementary school, renovate the other two, and remodel its intermediate, middle and high schools. If all goes on schedule, that massive undertaking should be done in time for the 2009-2010 school year.

But even Spring Lake Park can't dodge next year's budget pinch.

The district has to climb out of a $1.5 million hole for next year. Already, the board has approved $1.1 million in both cuts and ways to raise revenue. For instance, district officials plan to cut between $70,000 to $100,000 in administrative costs, although the board hasn't yet worked out how exactly those cuts will be made, said Amy Schultz, Spring Lake Park schools director of business services.

Also, changes to school starting times are planned that will reduce the number of buses needed by the district. That's projected to save another $150,000. The district plans to save more money by converting to a paperless payroll system, and consolidating janitorial service between two elementary schools, as well as laying off some clerical workers and teacher aides.

One area of savings is far from guaranteed: District officials are counting on negotiating their way to lower pay increases for teachers and other employee bargaining groups.

"We're hoping we're able to scale that back," Schultz said.

Spring Lake Park superintendent Don Helmstetter said the district had been able to keep cuts out of the classroom. That means no teacher layoffs are included in the cuts. Still, there will likely be some reductions due to low enrollment in some grades and lower registration for some secondary school classes.

"We feel like our layoffs, while unfortunate, are minimal when compared to our neighbors," Helmstetter said.

More budget cutting and other adjustments are yet to come. The district still must figure out how to use an estimated $650,000 to $950,000 coming in federal stimulus funds, approved earlier this year to help jump-start the nation's lagging economy. The board will look at allowing vacated staff positions to go unfilled, and saving money when older teachers retire by hiring younger teachers who will make less money.

With no funding increases coming from the state for at least two years, the scenario will likely repeat itself next year, marking a painful trend for a district that has not had to make budget cuts in a long time.

"Most school districts experience cost-of-living increases every year," Helmstetter said. "For a lot of schools, that's three-and-a-half percent. If we don't get new revenues in somehow, then we face about three percent in cuts that need to occur."

The north suburban district serves 4,550 students and covers all or parts of Spring Lake Park, Blaine and Fridley.

Norman Draper • 612-673-4547