School Board Scales Back Scope of Program Cuts, Teacher Shifts

Following four hours of West Des Moines parents, student and teachers decrying proposed cuts to language, music and reading programs in the school district, revised changes were approved Tuesday night.

District administrators presented revised plans to curriculum and staffing changes following the Monday night meeting attended by about 300 people, many of whom voiced concern about the proposed changes and the short notice.

Look for a full story on Tuesday's board discussion Wednesday morning.

Board member Jill Hansen supported the recommendations with the changes made because of Monday night’s comments. Even though she still has some questions about vocal music proposals, “I think the proposal is worth a try.”

The revised proposal no longer includes cutting five reading teachers; phasing out Japanese language classes; cutting a half-time administrator; no half-time position reduction in art and no half-time position increase in language arts.

Slight reductions were approved in family sciences and business courses, while small staffing increases were approved in social studies, science and Spanish.

French will still be cut at the junior high level, and two Chinese classes will be combined.

On the music side, the orchestra staffing will remain the same, the vocal staff will be trimmed by one-half a position and the band staff cut by one-half a position.

Superintendent Peter Ansingh said the changes proposed Tuesday will not result in layoffs and make plans for classes that aren’t as well utilized by students and meeting student needs, rather than trying to tighten the budget. He also said the proposed cuts had nothing to do with the athletic programs.