Schools across Colorado propose major cutbacks

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ADAMS COUNTY – Mike Paskewicz has spent too much time staring at what's called his "Implication Board." It is a series of more than 500 effects created by basically one cause – budget cuts.

"Sixteen million dollars over three years," said Paskewicz, superintendent of the Adams 12 Five Star School District. "Now, you're going to be cutting into things that are going to impact student achievement."

Paskewicz and his staff use the Implication Board to visualize just how far reaching budget reductions will be. The initial goal is to keep them from impacting the classroom. But, Paskewicz says the cuts are now getting too deep.

"We're at a point right now in Colorado that the issues for financing will not be solved at the local level," said Paskewicz.

But they're being felt at the local level, just ask Heidi Swetich. Swetich was hoping to have her daughter Margot attend full day kindergarten next year in Westminster. However, she can't because of the district's budget problems.

"The money's just not there. It's frustrating," said Swetich. "I don't even know what to do about it."

All across Colorado, districts are feeling the same pinch. Paskewicz says rising energy costs, rising fuel costs, rising food costs, and rising health care costs combined with inflation is causing problems in a state where per pupil funding is already low.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the national average for per pupil spending is $8,701. Colorado spends $7,730 per student, far lower than neighbors like Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming.

"We need to find a way to fix the problem," said Swetich. "The money needs to come from somewhere."

Money needs to be generated especially since it's likely going away soon. Paskewicz says the legislature needs to look at re-structuring the tax system statewide, because school financing will take a dive starting in 2011.

"It's more crucial because of the perfect storm that's brewing with Referendum C sun setting, with Amendment 23 sun setting, and then the cost of doing business increasing," said Paskewicz.

Amendment 23 required the state to increase school funding each year by the rate of inflation plus one percent at the very least. In 2011, the 1 percent requirement will be dropped. Referendum C allowed the government to spend more than constitutional limits allowed for a period of five years to increase the funding to education, health care and transportation. The five year period ends in 2010.

Other districts around the metro area are considering major cuts because of these changes. Jefferson County, the largest district in the state, is looking at making more than $20 million in cuts. Douglas County is making a $21 million reduction. Aurora is proposing $10 million cuts for next year and probably more the following years. Cherry Creek is looking at cutting more than $12 million over the next two years.

The one local exception is Denver Public Schools. Oddly enough, that district has actually made cuts nearly every year until this year and next. DPS is actually looking at expanding the budget due to an increase in enrollment, the refinancing of their pension package (which freed up nearly $20 million), and the closure and restructuring of 13 schools (which will save $3.5 million).

For her kids, Swetich says she'd be willing to pay more taxes.

"I'm OK with that. I'd rather put my money into my children's education," said Swetich. "It's scary. You want the best for your children and this is a situation where you really can't do anything more than I've already done."