Hot Springs school faces budget cuts

The Hot Springs School District is facing budgeting issues with cuts in staff and activities looming. Hot Springs Schools Superintendent Gerald Chouinard said discussions have been in progress for the last four weeks with the Hot Springs Education Association. The committee has reviewed the district's finances to address the budget projected for the 24-25 school year. "The cuts will total over $300,000," Chouinard said. The factors that are key to possibly regaining the budget will be the final student count and the May levy outcome, which will be decided by the Hot Springs School District 14J voters during the school elections. The March sixth board meeting will determine the amount of money the school will be requesting for the levy. "Even if the levy does pass, these cuts to staff will occur," Chouinard said.

The school has lost 40 students this past year, according to the superintendent. Chouinard explained that each student enrolled in the school brings in revenue, $8,000 for each high school student and $6,000 per elementary student. That is a loss of $240,000 to $320,000 depending on the age of the students. A new subdivision being built in Hot Springs will hopefully bring in more students, he said.

Other factors affecting the budget include inflation and the expiration of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding through three federal COVID-19 relief laws that were available in the 2021-22 school year. "We have great kids here. They deserve a good quality education," said Principal Byron Woods.

Chouinard stated that there are two priorities that have been emphasized as the board considers where cuts will occur to ensure solvency and protect the integrity of educational services. The first priority is to have minimal or no impact on students and secondly, to have the least impact on our core teaching staff. "Beyond these two priorities, all options are on the table. Through this process there is not a building or department within the district that will be unaffected in some way. Also, these numbers do not include additional positions that will be indirectly impacted," he said.

Budget cuts will include a reduction in staff, including going from two administrators to one, according to Chouinard. There will be one K-12 Principal/Superintendent. At the K-8 level there will be one certified position reduction. Other reductions are still being considered, Chouinard said.

"Any position within our district has merit and value," Chouinard said. Several positions are involved with a general funds budget reduction of $300,000. " Please understand that the reduction of a position is not an indication that we don't value a particular program. We will make every effort to uphold programs and opportunities that are highly valued by our community. If the levy does not pass more will be lost. The levy must pass."

Chouinard concluded that he humbly requests that conversations on the discussions are mindful of this information. He wrote in a letter to parents and the district,"Please do not feed the rumor mills that can so quickly lead to fractured relationships," he said. "It takes all of us communicating respectfully, sensitively, and with accurate facts, to maintain a supportive environment. Thank you for your patience and trust during this challenging time.