TJ makes important decisions on recent budget cuts.
Assistant Principal Scott Lessard and Principal Sandra Just discuss the new budget. photo by Rebecca Holt
In response to the recent district and state-wide budget cuts that are now specifically affecting TJ’s budget, Principal Sandra Just stated, “We’re going to need to look at things differently now. We’re still committed to meeting our goals, but it may mean proceeding differently based on our resources.”
Recently, TJ’s monetary resources have changed due to the new budget cuts. In the past year, TJ’s budget has been reduced by nearly 4%. Considering 97% of TJ’s budget is put directly into salaries, this reduction will have the greatest effect on teachers and staff. “Less money means fewer salaries,” said Just. “Sadly, salaries are people.”
Most salary cuts are made based on recommendations from the TJ Collaborative School Committee (CSC). “They decide reductions,” said Just. “If they recommend a reduction in any department, we have to interview everyone in that department.”
Presently, TJ is making reductions in the following departments: Science, English, Art, Special Education, Social Studies, Counseling, and Administration. This means that eight full-time teachers and two part-time teachers will be reduced from these departments at TJ, but – based on past reductions – affected personnel will remain employees of the district.
“Fortunately, DPS matches unemployment with opportunities,” said Just. “Someone may no longer work at TJ, but could possibly get a job at another school within DPS.” This means that after a teacher is identified for reduction, DPS often finds openings at other schools, then provides the teacher with a job opportunity in a familiar department at a different school.
The budget cuts being made are for multiple reasons, but primarily due to Colorado’s economic situation. “The fact that Colorado is suffering economically is the biggest problem,” said Just. “The state is giving less money to school districts, so we have less to spend. Because of the economy, there are still concerns about budget problems going into next year.”
TJ’s budget cuts are also a result of low enrollment, and TJ’s status as a small school. “We’re given money based on the amount of people we have,” said Just. “Unfortunately, TJ is a small school.”
Just assures that TJ’s administration is making progress in allowing the school to retain all that it has to offer. One of the central strides being made is in applying for the School Innovation Grant, which – if accepted – would allow relief in both salaries and programs. The grant, which – if fully funded – is worth a total of 1.8 million dollars over three years, will be used mainly to help fund TJ’s new plan for success and achievement. This will come in the form of additional programs, such as an AP summer academy and a 9th grade foundations course. To see the whole plan, click here.
The grant would also give TJ the possibility of keeping a few more positions out of the various departments being reduced. “Unfortunately, the grant is not meant to replace budget cuts,” said Just. “It’s not a complete fix when you look at eight people, but it is continuing to grow our vision.” TJ applied for the grant on February 12th, and hopes to receive a response in March.
After the reduction of eight staff members and the recent deficit in the budget, Just acknowledges that TJ will have to proceed in a new direction. “We want to still be able to offer the same amount of services,” said Just. “This means we have to look at things differently. As a small school, we need to make sure we continue to offer all that we have to offer.”
