The Bethel School Board is getting a jump on nasty budget news headed its way from Olympia by reviewing a list of about two dozen budget options and estimating how many dollars could be saved with each cutback.
Among the options that would net some of the biggest savings in the Spanaway-based school district:
- Closing one or two junior high/middle schools for a savings of $1 million.
- Eliminating teacher stipends for evening activities for a savings of $2 million.
- Reducing all employee pay by 1 percent, for a savings of $1 million.
Even though board members are looking at those and other options, district officials emphasize that they’ve made no decisions. Every other public school district in the state eventually will have to make hard choices, too.
“None of us like to be in a situation where we have to make more and more cuts,” said Bethel Superintendent Tom Seigel. “It seems to be a never-ending selection of bad options.”
Bethel has more than 17,000 students and is Pierce County’s third-largest school district. Officials estimate they could lose between $5 million and $7 million in the next round of state budgeting. That estimate is based on proposals already made to the Legislature.
Exactly how much will need to be cut depends on what lawmakers do next and whether a state sales tax increase is approved. Over the past decade, district officials say, Bethel has lost more than $50 million in state funding.
The district is considering asking voters for a supplemental levy to help it through tough times. A telephone survey on that issue is in the works, as well as an online survey. The surveys will also ask public opinion on other budget-cutting options before the board.
A lot of possibilities are on the table, but Seigel and board members have already signaled their distaste for some.
“Certain decisions you make are reversible,” Seigel said. “But once you close a school, there’s no way to reverse that.”
The idea to consider closing schools grew out of another decision that’s already been made: switching to a middle school model.
Next fall, Bethel ninth-graders are scheduled to move out of the six junior high schools and up to the three high schools and one alternative high school. The move will bring Bethel into conformity with many neighboring districts of similar size. The district says it’s the best way to get ninth-graders working at a high school level and earning graduation credits.
During a transition year, the junior highs will become middle schools with only seventh- and eighth-graders. The goal is to eventually move sixth-graders from elementary schools to the middle schools.
But for at least the transition year, seventh- and eighth-graders could potentially squeeze into fewer schools to save money. Consolidation would save an estimated $1 million by eliminating administrative and support staff.
Seigel said he believes it’s the wrong move. He said it would be difficult to make all the staff changes in time, and that the switch would create negative feelings in the community.
A district committee that includes principals and parents from each of the junior highs will meet Thursday to take a closer look at the closure issue. The group is due to come up with a recommendation for the board by Jan. 24.
Other savings possibilities:
- Eliminate the Bethel Online Academy. Estimated savings: $600,000. Seigel said a reduction in state reimbursement for online students has resulted in lower funding for the program and that students could be served elsewhere.
- Change to a new model for custodian services. Estimated savings: $500,000. Details are still being worked on.
- Eliminate positions for six assistant principals – three at middle schools and three at elementary schools – for a total estimated savings of $720,000.
Board members said they know none of their choices will be easy. But they said they want to hear from the public.
“The best thing we can do is bring our community with us,” said board member Brenda Rogers. “We need to come together to find solutions for our problems.”
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
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