Another Viewpoint

by Eric Grimes
by Eric Grimes
May 2, 2008, 12:05 AM

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Times are tough for everyone these days, especially for state government entities. Drastic cost-saving measures unfavorable to many people must be made.

Churchill County School District (CCSD), like so many other state agencies, has the unsavory task of cutting expenses as a result of a projected $2.2 million budget deficit. At this point, it doesn't matter how CCSD came to be in this budget mess - whether through low enrollment numbers, mismanagement of funds or a combination thereof. It is what it is: a $2.2 million deficit that CCSD needs to correct.

CCSD, in conjunction with the school board, must make difficult decisions to balance an overextended, shrinking budget. However, these decisions must be well thought out with all pros and cons, as well as long-term ramifications, studied and analyzed to determine the effect on our student population, in order to conclude these "fixes" are right for our community. Then, and only then, should CCSD move forward with any plan that affects the school district.

Ironically, instead of careful, thought-out planning, CCSD appears to be taking a haphazard approach, frantically grasping at any nearby budgetary life jacket in an attempt to keep the school district afloat on its own, instead of having the state come in and clean house.

At the last school board meeting, the board voted 6-1 to make Northside Elementary the early-education school for the district, housing preschool, kindergarten and Head Start programs. Northside would also become home to the students now enrolled in Cottage School.

On the surface, this plan appears to address a large portion of the current budget shortfall plaguing the district. Scratch the surface, though, and you'll see a budgetary aneurism waiting to rupture.

Cottage School students are at various stages of physical and mental development, some requiring assistance walking or being escorted to and from restrooms. In its current location, most Cottage students can walk themselves to the restrooms right outside their classroom door because of the close proximity of the restroom facilities to the classroom.

However, Northside, though set up for younger children, does not have restroom facilities right outside its classrooms. More aides will need to be hired to help the children. What about the Northside Building? Erected long before the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect, doorways are narrow, entry thresholds are cumbersome, and restrooms do not have the necessary ADA equipment to meet today's standards. Presumptively, Northside would need upgrades to meet the basic needs of some of Cottage School's students.

Who is going to pay for the additional aides and remodeling of Northside, and how much will it cost? CCSD? I thought CCSD needed to SAVE money. Additionally, what will it cost, and who is going to pay to relocate the schools? CCSD? Aren't we trying to SAVE money? More interestingly is the statistics in the paper quoting the board and a principal. It was stated the proposed consolidation of the early-education programs "would require 14-15 classrooms," and Northside has "25 available." Plenty of room for the early-education program, but this scenario begs the question: With only 15 classrooms filled, does this mean CCSD would be paying to heat and cool the entire building when 10 classrooms are left unused? That doesn't happen right now because Northside is close to capacity. Doesn't this seem like a waste of valuable, usable space? Aren't we trying to SAVE money? I know CCSD has to take drastic steps to make real change, but who thought this through?

It seems pretty logical to me where to start when looking at fiscal spending and where to make cuts.

First, start by eliminating non-mandated, discretionary-spending programs.

Lahontan Valley High School (LVHS) is such a program. Originally started as a charter school that was ultimately taken over by CCSD, LVHS and its staff have been effective in the education and development of at-risk students in our community: The accomplishments are commendable, and their efforts should be applauded. A parade of LVHS students expressed their passion and personal feelings about their school and the LVHS staff. It was clear these students have excelled at civics as well as developing necessary social and life skills.

However, the crux of the issue facing CCSD is balancing an out-of-control budget. LVHS is NOT mandated by law. CCSD is not required to operate or fund an alternative high school or ANY other alternative-learning program. Reintegrate the 96 or so students at LVHS with the students at Churchill County High School (CCHS) to create one campus again. This would provide CCSD huge cost savings. The LVHS students should adapt easily to their new location and, being mature young adults, will find a way to be absorbed. After all, this is what CCSD expects 322 Northside students to do: to be absorbed in another school without incident.

I know it's a tough decision. I have friends who are staff at LVHS and I don't want anyone to lose their job, but I have to call it like I see it. LVHS is NOT required, NOT mandatory, NOT necessary. Eliminate this unmitigated discretionary spending!

Next, eliminate redundant or unnecessary positions within the school district. Eliminate all non-mandatory travel and related expenses, including cars provided to administration and "recruitment" trips by the assistant superintendent. They're not effective and therefore a waste of money. If the meeting is not in Nevada, you don't go! Eliminate non-mandatory training. All these things are nice perks when the school district can afford them, but we're in a budgetary crisis.

Finally, terminate the services of the attorney representing CCSD and the school board and hire a real, reputable and independent accounting firm to handle the school district's finances. An independent accounting firm will provide insight into necessary and recommended cuts rather than just follow personal agendas. Tough times call for tough decisions.

Besides, you won't need the attorney if you follow the rules.



- Eric Grimes, of Fallon, is a

concerned parent and taxpayer.