RSD Seeks Input on Budget Cuts With Online Survey

The has some tough decisions on its hands, to the tune of $2.4 million in budget cuts.

After holding three public meetings last week (at , and high schools), the District is now asking for input via an online survey to rate the items most important to the public as it considers . The survey will be available online until February 20.

Parents, staff and various community members attended the public meetings, and the District gathered 65 surveys from those in attendance.

According to a School District press release, the initial 65 surveys rated priorities in order as:

• Maintain Discovery program (gifted education program)
• Maintain Music programs
• .
• Keep elementary class size low
• Change routes/reduce school bus transportation
• Cut salaries for all teachers and staff
• Cut administration
• Maintain athletics
• Maintain English Language Learner programs

So far, 230 people have completed the online survey.

The tabulated results, as of press time, list the top three priorities as keeping low class size, not compromising safety/security and protecting teacher time (to remain focused on teaching).

Other inital findings that are important to the public include recommending the district seek alternative funding (no mention is made of how to do this) and keeping staffing levels adequate.

The Governor’s budget, which the School District is using to guide its process, recommends cuts to funding , gifted programs and staff salary increases.

"Families and communities hold dear their neighborhood school," said Renton School District spokesperson Randy Matheson. "During state-mandated budget cuts, those parents, students and communities do not want budget decisions to negatively impact their teachers and classroom."

In Washington State, the impact is $4.6 billion on the 2011-2013 budget—with the brunt of it hitting K-12 and higher education funding.