The downturn in the economy has had a significant impact (both positive and negative) on the bond budget for the new High School. The positive impact is that the bids for the new High School construction project came in lower than expected, allowing us to stretch dollars for facility improvements at some of our other buildings from these approved $51.9 million bond funds as follows:

 Refinishing the deteriorating stucco on the Middle School exterior, replacing leaking rain gutters and down spouts.
 Revamping the Heights Elementary School parking lot to allow for a better traffic flow (paving, lighting and fencing).
 Energy efficient lighting at Heights multi-purpose room, Mill Creek gym and the High School gym (the new lighting is projected to pay for itself through the financial savings in approximately 5.5 years).
 Student lockers added in the English wing of the future Middle School annex
 Four Middle School tennis courts (for PE and Lifetime Sports).
 Minor remodeling of the District Office, creating more efficient work spaces and a room for fire proof file cabinets for District employment records.
 Emergency power and cabling to meet the technology needs of our current buildings and interconnect with our new facilities.

The negative impact of the downturn in the economy is that the market value has dropped some student enrollment (due to fewer new residents moving into our area and other residents moving out due to lack of employment) has leveled off. The result of this negative impact is that the School Board members and District Administration continues to review the use and sale of the $51.9 construction bond funds to maintain the advertised tax levy rate for our patrons (approximately $4.45 per $1,000 of homeowner value) for the upcoming fiscal year.

Due to the proactive stance that the School Board members and District Administration have taken toward the construction, equipping and furnishing (soliciting savings from our vendors) of the new High School and the downturn in the economy, the entire new High School project is projected to cost approximately $45 -$46 million dollars. The $6 to $7 million that will be leftover (of the total $51.9 million dollars in the new High School bond funds) will not be sold nor put on the tax rolls and can be saved towards the total cost of the construction of a future new elementary school (if the School Board desires), insuring that our patrons bond tax levy rate, does not increase as per our advertisements.

The Middleton School District is facing some hard decisions as we continue to be firm in our commitment to provide the same high quality education to our students, regardless of the financial difficulties that currently plague School Districts throughout the State of Idaho. Although at this time we are uncertain as to the extent of the State funding cutback dollar amounts, we are certain the negative financial impact to our District -- will be vast.

We are aware that the Middleton School District parents, staff and patrons are facing their own financial woes with the downturn in the economy. We are aware that you as individuals must make adjustments in spending and budgeting to align with changes in your income. The following information is provided to you as a preliminary draft of the considerations that the Administration and School Board members are reviewing in preparation for the additional State funding cuts that we are facing for the remainder of this school year along with ones coming for the 2010-11 school year.

SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS:
1)Maintaining a top-notch education for our students.
2)Maintaining extra-curricular opportunities for students.
3)Striving to continue employment for the majority of our Administrators, Certified and Classified Staff members.
4)Continued facility upkeep.
5)Achieving the above items, while maintaining a balanced budget.

UNDER CONSIDERATION:
1)Continuation of the all day kindergarten classes (currently scheduled as Monday-Thursday & Tuesday-Friday, alternating Wednesdays)
2)Reduction of some hours or days and/or salary for all employees.*
3)Not replacing some of our employees who resign or retire.
4)Larger class sizes at most grade levels.
5)Reduction of building budgets.
6)Reduction in student field trip transportation costs.
7)Increase in facility use fees for those outside entities not associated with the District.
8)Increased use of technology to cut back on paper costs.
9)Utilization of some of the District’s Contingency funds.
10)Continued efforts to cut back on utility costs (by shutting off lights, equipment, turning thermostats down, etc.)
*Subject to negotiations with the Middleton Education Association (Teachers)

We will continue to communicate with the patrons of our District as the School Board members approve the necessary changes to keep our School District’s budget balanced and maintain a high-quality education for the students of Middleton. Thanks for your support during these trying times in this downturned economy.

The Middleton School District Board members unanimously approved the following as the date, time and location of their regular monthly meetings:

Date: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: District Office Boardroom
5 South 3rd Avenue West
Middleton, ID 83644

A School Board meeting is not a public forum; rather it is a time for the patrons and visitors to listen and observe both the discussion and actions of your elected School Board members. Audience participation (at the discretion of the School Board) may be allowed as a signed in visitor or as an individual/group who has submitted an advance written request.

Individuals and groups wishing to address the School Board should deliver a written request to the Superintendent’s office by 4 pm, seven days prior to the scheduled School Board meeting. No action on your item will be taken at that time. However, action could be scheduled for a subsequent meeting of the School Board.

Individuals approved to address the School Board will be limited to three minutes in duration. Delegations or large groups approved to address the School Board will be limited to fifteen minutes in duration and have one designated spokesperson.

As elected representatives, School Board members encourage your input to them, prior to monthly meetings as well as your attendance (as patrons) at their regular monthly meetings, PTA meetings, Booster Club meetings and other school related events.