Hebron Dollars & Sense

Dear Parents and Members of the Community,
I have included in this message the list of cuts the board voted on at last evening’s
Special Board of Education meeting in order to reduce the budget to 1.5% as requested
by the Board of Finance. The decisions were difficult to say the least. In making the
decisions, the board considered the following conditions: what would have the least
impact on students, how to maintain as many programs and services possible, and how to
streamline current services to improve efficiency and incur savings.
There was discussion regarding the All Day Kindergarten program. The board majority
felt that to advance student achievement for all students who enter kindergarten, it is
important to support the commitment made to this implementation which was initiated
over three years ago. We cannot continue to limit access to the program to a small
handful of students without infringing on the equal opportunity rights of all entering
kindergarten students. Nor can we charge parents for the program per state statute. This
program has the full support of the Commissioner of the State Department of Education
and aligns with state and national trends towards a more rigorous focus on early
childhood intervention. The earlier you intervene, the smaller the achievement gap.
The Director of Curriculum position was discussed and it was determined that this
position is key to the continued significant improvements the district has made in the last
four years. Our current performance is due to focused, collaborative work on the part of
teachers and the administrative team. It is a critical position and the lynchpin for many of
the programs and interventions that are in place or being planned. The continued
excellence of our “learning organization” depends on it.
The final cuts are:
One C&E teacher: This will impact Gilead Hill School only. The teacher and program
at Hebron Elementary School will remain the same. The services provided currently at
Gilead Hill School will be provided by current support services staff (i.e. art teacher,
music teacher, librarian, technology specialist and reading and math specialists). Clusters
will be organized by parent volunteers.
4th Grade Teaching Position: Due to declining enrollment, a position can be reduced in
4th grade. Board recommended class size in 4th grade is 24. This decision will maintain
class sizes at 24.
One Custodian: By realigning work stations and assigning large areas (i.e. GHS Activity
Room) to the day shift, we can continue to maintain current levels of cleanliness.
One Paraprofessional: A paraprofessional has recently resigned. The position will not
be filled and the duties of this position will be allocated to other non-certified staff.
Supplies: The district is continuing to expand the use of electronic means to reduce costs
of paper and postage.
Professional Development: There will be reductions in the professional development
opportunities next year.
If the budget does not pass, these reductions will stand and the Board of Education will
have to reduce the budget further. Thank you for your support of Hebron Schools