Frequently Asked Questions
Q. In eliminating field trips, will there be no trips for HS band, etc. even if they are raising their own money for the trips?
A. There will continue to be many trips that are necessary for activities and opportunities for groups such as band, some will be funded by the district and others will be funded through other avenues. This is mainly referencing optional elementary and middle level field trips that were added several years ago and were completely funded by the district. We added these to ensure there was consistency between schools. Previous to these trips being added, the PTA’s funded most of these types of field trips.
Q. Does the parking fee increase include parking at LNHS? What will the fees be to park at the high schools next year?
A. Yes, there will be a fee at LNHS and this figure includes these fees. We have not settled on the final fee amount yet.
Q. Does the Pay-to-Play change mean the kids will pay to play, and then pay an additional $35 for the activity pass? Will the pay to play cost increase? Will it still be $50 next year, and then we must pay the additional $35 for the pass?
A. Students will not receive an activity pass when they pay their fee to play sports. The pay-to-play fee will not increase. There will still be a hardship exemption for students who qualify under the Free and Reduced Lunch Application process.
Q. How will the reductions to the Summer School budget impact the program?
A. We no longer purchase curriculum for summer school and have written our own. The new curriculum actually ties in better to our regular board-approved curriculum and we see this cost savings as a win-win situation.
Q. Are larger class sizes being implemented at the elementary level or high school level or both? Why would high school class sizes be increased, when the new high school is opening? Are any classes being offered at this time being cut from the program?
A. Many class sizes that are below MSIP Standards will be allowed to increase, at all levels. Some of our classes are already at MSIP Standards so they will not increase. Opening a new high school does not impact class sizes. We will move as many teachers as needed and keep class sizes as equitable as possible at both schools. We are evaluating enrollment numbers in the secondary elective classes to see which, if any, should be eliminated or if sections can be reduced to allow those teachers to pick up other necessary teaching duties. No decisions have been made at this time.
A. The budget reduction item does not refer to the Suburban Conference passes provided to employees at no cost. The activity pass referenced is a pass purchased by secondary level students for admittance to Liberty home events if not accompanied by the parent employed. No one will receive the Liberty activity pass for free. Complimentary Suburban passes will continue to be provided to employees. The Suburban pass allows two adults to be admitted at no cost.
Q. What is the process for budget reduction decisions?
A. The school district cabinet or leadership team is currently meeting and reviewing district processes and programs, as well as gathering input from a variety of resources. Once a comprehensive list is created, this information will be shared with the Board of Education and dialogue will begin as to how each item considered for reduction will impact the district overall.
Q. Will an employee committee be selected to be part of the decision-making process?
A. Involving teachers and support staff directly in the process puts them in a tough spot and can cause tension and distractions in the buildings. Employees have opportunities to provide suggestions or discuss concerns by submitting information through emails, the Comment Sheet on the Web site, or through the yellow cards found in each school building and department. Parents and patrons can also provide input through the Comment Sheet on the Budget Reductions Web site.
Q. How will personnel cuts be decided, and will seniority be considered when eliminating positions?
A. We are working toward a plan that will impact students and teachers as minimally as possible.
Individuals who possess the appropriate certification to fill a vacancy will be interviewed for any open position that needs to be filled. Tenure is specifically addressed in our policies and it will be honored as we work through the budget reduction process.
Q. When will staff be notified about specific cuts?
A. We realize the concern and apprehension regarding budget reductions. The reductions identified will be communicated during an open Board of Education meeting on December 14, 2009 with the anticipated decision being made by the Board on January 19, 2010.
Q. If our job is eliminated how will employees know what jobs are available in the district?
A. As soon as the Board of Education makes a decision on reductions based on recommendations from the executive administration, full communication will be made with individuals whose positions are being eliminated due to the budget reduction requirement. At that time, the Human Resources administration will make every effort to communicate with these affected staff members to ensure that every opportunity is provided for placement in other positions for which the individual may be qualified.
Q. Is the district considering buy-outs or early retirement offers?
A. At this time this option in not being considered. In the event this is offered, it would be optional for staff. While a cost savings occurs with higher paid staff leaving the district, we value our veteran teachers as mentors and lead teachers.
Q. What will happen with health care benefits in the future?
A. At this time, we do not anticipate reducing health care benefits. Future reductions will be dependent upon changes in state funding impacted by the declining economy.
Q. All district employees receive free health insurance, but why are some administrator’s family benefits paid for by the district?
A. Administrators are not having family health insurance paid for, but do receive a benefit amount that can be used at their discretion and applied toward the purchase of an annuity, insurance or as additional pay. This is standard for most districts and companies to offer additional incentives to administration.
Q. Is the district still recruiting at colleges and universities?
A. We have significantly reduced the number of recruiting trips this year by reducing the number of trips by four this semester and nine more next semester. We will continue to recruit for positions that are typically difficult to fill.
Q. Will the current financial crisis affecting our country impact the district’s ability to sell bonds for the new elementary school, Kellybrook, and the second high school, Liberty North?
A. The bonds from our latest $58 million bond issue have already been sold, so this is not an issue for us.
Q. Will district budget reductions impact the opening of Liberty North High School?
A. It is our plan to open Liberty North High School in the fall of 2010. The opening of our 2nd high school will relieve overcrowding at Liberty High School. The district continues to grow at a rate of about four percent every year.
Q. Has the district considered moving to a four-day work week?
A. Currently, Missouri state law requires districts attend school 174 days. Even if we wanted to move to a four-day week, it wouldn’t save us any money, because we would still need to have school for the required 174 days. This idea is being discussed in school districts all over the country. Missouri legislators are discussing whether to allow districts local decision-making control when it comes to a four-day week. If it becomes an option, additional discussion would be necessary to consider all benefits and consequences.
Q. Will job sharing opportunities be explored?
A. The administration is exploring every cost saving and revenue generating possibility.
Q. Is it necessary for our district to provide summer school?
A. This is a great opportunity for students to keep up on skills and work on credit recovery. It is also a chance for enrichment of skills. The district receives funding from the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) for summer school.
Q. Will administration consider cutting the number of field trips students take during the year?
A. Field trips are evaluated for the alignment to the curriculum. They are currently being discussed and evaluated.
Q. Why did the district spend money on purchasing a time clock system when we need to cut costs?
A. The benefits of the Workforce timekeeping system are multi-faceted. The system provides consistency and fairness in practices throughout the district, reducing risk. The primary purpose is to ensure compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) recordkeeping as required by the federal government. The district should recognize savings due to accurate reflection of time worked, and a reduction of hours required to process payroll.
The Workforce system is being paid for by monies from the April 2008 bond issue approved by voters for technology.
