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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2020)
schools may21 2020 11 Schools Update: Budgeting During COVID-19 By Superintendent Aaron Miller Oh, how quickly things can change. On February 27, 2020 the Vernonia School District (VSD) hosted a meeting with staff, parents, and Board members to determine how a $515,000 increase in funding from the Student Success Act could most significantly impact our students’ academic, physical, and mental well-being. March 13 came, schools have been closed since, and the revenue outlook has changed from a once in a lifetime increase to a potential 17% budget cut. On May 20 the revenue forecast came out for the State of Oregon, and although the exact numbers were not known at press time, the economic impacts on schools and state agencies are significant. While the state revenue forecast was devastat- ing, there are several factors that still remain to be de- termined before schools have a final answer as to how deep they will have to cut their budgets. State legislators created a rainy day fund for schools just for a time like this. State leaders will have to determine how much, if any, of this fund they will use to help offset financial deficits. In addition, State legislators will likely be called back to Salem for a special session to determine how they will address state spending in the midst of this financial crisis. One issue that will need to be addressed is the newly adopted Student Success Act and the fund- ing that it will provide for schools. Whether the tax on large corporations is instituted later than planned, or on time, the impact of this economic crisis will ensure that Vernonia’s funding will be significantly less than the $515,000 that was planned for at that February 27 meeting. Federal government support of the crisis through the CARES Act, potentially the Heroes Act, and other revenue streams will also factor in to exactly how deep of cuts will be needed to balance State and school budgets. In preparation for these cuts, the Vernonia School Board approved, at its May 14 meeting, the fur- loughing of one work day per week (5 total) for the re- mainder of the 2019-20 school year. This decision will save the District approximately $150,000, which will help minimize cuts in the 2020-21 school year. The state’s revenue forecast was just the first step in the process of determining the full impact of these budget cuts on schools. Once that full impact is determined, the VSD will work as hard as ever to mini- mize those impacts on our students, and continue to provide a quality education for your children. School Board Report school and are also being delivered to students at home. Superintendent Aaron Miller said the District is serving an av- Budget Committee Approves Bud- erage of 350 meals each day and deliv- get – The Budget Committee voted to ered 11,130 total meals during the month unanimously approve the 2020-21 pro- of April. posed budget as presented. The budget now goes to the School Board for final Board Approves OSEA Contract – adoption. Superintendent Aaron Miller The Board approved a Memorandum told the Budget Committee the State of of Understanding between the Vernonia Oregon will announce their Department School District and the Oregon School of Education revenue forecast on May Employees Association (OSEA), Chap- 20, which means there may need to be ter 67. The agreement extends the con- adjustments to the final budget if there is tract for one year and provides a 4% a funding shortfall. Cost of Living Adjustment for all classi- fied employees. Distance Learning Update – The Board received updates from principals and Board Approves 2019-20 Calendar other staff on how instructors, students, Adjustment – The Board approved a and families are navigating distance recommendation from Superintendent learning during the school shut down. Aaron Miller for the District to take five While principals Michelle Eagleson and furlough days at the end of this school Nate Underwood reported the switch to year to help save funds toward next year, distance learning has been a huge chal- when Miller says he expects budget lenge, both commended all involved for cuts due to a shortfall of funding from their effort and patience. Students are the State. Miller said by cutting those regularly in contact with teachers, and days, the District will be able to apply progress is monitored, reported, and re- for COVID-19 stimulus funds. The five corded. Schools are providing multiple furlough days would take place on May and flexible opportunities for students 15, 22, 29, June 5, and 12. to earn credit. Students have access to weekly packets of learning material, and Board Approves 2020-21 Instruction- some teachers are using video of them- al Calendar – The Board approved the selves teaching new concepts, as well as proposed 2020-21 instructional calen- holding virtual class meetings to provide dar which provides 167 student contact students with the opportunity to connect days, four more than last year. The first socially. day of school will be September 8 and the last day will be June 11. The cal- Food Service Update – Meals (break- endar includes a week off for Thanks- fast and lunch) continue to be prepared giving from November 23-27, a winter and served for students during the shut break from December 19-January 1, and down. Meals can be picked up at the a spring break from March 22-26. At the May 14, 2020 Virtual School Board Meeting: Construction progress on the art room addition on May 15, 2020. Vernonia Family Academy Expands to K-12 – The Vernonia Family Acad- emy will begin serving homeschool stu- dents in high school this year after only serving students in K-8 during the Acad- emy’s first year. Laura Blacker, (former- ly a 3 rd grade teacher in the District) has been hired as the high school instructor and will work with current teacher Deb- bie Taylor. the project is currently on schedule to be completed in late August. Board Approves Replacement Time- line for Vacant Board Position – Dis- trict Executive Assistant Barb Carr told the Board there was no interest expressed by the community for an open seat on the Board, left vacant when Melissa Zavales resigned. The Board approved advertis- ing for the position again through June 4 School Art Room Addition Progress- so they could appoint someone at their ing – Superintendent Aaron Miller told June meeting. the School Board the new art room ad- dition is progressing. Miller said the Board Declares Pick-up Truck as Sur- foundation was scheduled to be poured, plus – The Board approved the recom- prep work for electrical and plumbing is mendation from Facility Supervisor nearing completion, and the preliminary Mark Brown to surplus a 1992 Ford work is being done to connect the addi- F-250 pick-up truck. tion to the main building. Miller said IT’S TAX TIME Don‛t worry. We‛ll go to Meyer‛s Auto Body. I hear they‛re out of this world. Call your LOCAL tax preparer R Y O A LL PL P US LLC Edi Sheldon 503-429-1819 edisheldon@gmail.com Licensed tax consultant • Full service payroll Personal & small business bookkeeping • QuickBooks assistance CORPS, S-CORPS, LLC, Partnerships • Personal one-on-one service LTC #29629 - Oregon licensed tax consultant RTRP #P00448199 - designated as a registered tax return preparer by the Internal Revenue Service The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov. Meyer’s Auto Body 493 Bridge Street VERNONIA • 503-429-0248