Lindbergh Schools to cut $4.7 million, including teaching positions

By Sharon Stevens, Education Reporter

KSDK -- The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education approved a plan Tuesday night to cut $4.7 million, which includes eliminating 60 teaching, staff and administrative positions.

The cuts will be effective for the 2010-2011 school year and are in response to a drastic decline in district revenue and in preparation for cuts at the state level.

The district claims it lost more than $14 million in revenue since 2007-2008 because of decreases in property taxes, sales tax, state funding and Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation. VICC is a program the district will continue to phase out over the next six years. As VICC compensation and enrollment decreases, the district said its in-district enrollment continues to rise.

Even with the cuts, the district's deficit spending will be negative $3 million per year, which is covered by the district's reserves.

The board hopes the community will support a tax levy in November to help balance the budget. Lindbergh began evaluating the budget in January with the help of eight subcommittees, which included employees, parents, community members and administrators. The groups combed through expenses item by item. The list of 161 cuts approved Tuesday will assist the board as it begins budget planning for next year.

This is the second time in 24 months that Lindbergh has cut its budget. Last time the figure was $2 million. District officials blame the changes on a dramatic drop in state revenues with more on the way. Class sizes will increase with at least two more students added to most classrooms.

There will be charges for what were free sporting events and other student activities. The district will reduce the number of foreign language classes offered to middle school students. Superintendent James Simpson called it 'a sad day' for Lindbergh.

Simpson says residents are being polled to see if they'll support a tax hike in November. But even if that passes, he says the current cuts are unlikely to be restored in full.