Educational funding levels begin to hit home at Decorah Schools via position cuts

The Decorah Community School Board heard beginning  plans from Superintendent Mike Haluska on Monday night to implement over $300,000 in budget cuts. Haluska told the news media that the cuts were necessary due to a six year pattern of continued under-funding by the State Legislature.

The primary savings will come from not replacing retiring staff. Two elementary teaching positions, one Spanish teaching position, one technology position, and a part time curriculum coordinator position (previously shared with Waukon) will not be replaced. All duties in those positions will be addressed by restructuring duties of current staff and classroom reconfigurations. The anticipated principal sharing agreement with North Winneshiek will also result in savings.

Savings will also occur with lower salaries for some replacement positions. Other savings are expected as staffing issues change, particularly with reductions in associate positions.

On a related note, the Board set May 23, noon, as a date for an amended budget hearing.