By Jaye Sudar
LA VETA- “Cut programs, not things,” was the advice Re-2 School Superintendent Dave Seaney gave when he attended the recent Superintendent′s conference he recently attended. He explained that the state has a $770 million shortfall to deal with over the next three years. Educational budgets are a prime target for cuts. Seaney explained that the district will be returning nearly $50,000 in new money given to the district this year by January 2010. Fortunately, money had already been set aside in case of just such a reality. Seaney stated that districts were advised to start making contingency plans for future budget shortfalls. Consolidating services and perhaps consolidating school districts was mentioned. Better yet, come up with plans and solutions before the state mandates them, he was advised.
School is running smoothly, with two new students and plenty of homecoming activities for this week. NWEA testing has been finished with an in-service to be held in order to evaluate the data and use this information to help aid students. Students attended the Song of Pueblo and the Celtic Festival, much to the delight of students. Student council elections were held, the nature trail was cleaned by Mr. Kasper and some students, and Ron Ortivez III qualified for the State Golf Tournament.
Building projects are at a standstill. The HVAC system is still being tuned, Charlie Park awaits benches, the preschool fire alarm system is nearly finished and training is the final step to complete the intercom system. Seaney is requesting more bids on the bat infestation clean up. Board members asked Seany to investigate the possibility of CDE helping the district with the building issues and information regarding health insurance for district employees. Two candidates will be interviewed for the position of grant writer for the district. Interviews will be held at the next meeting.
