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By Bob Weaver
Calhoun Schools continue to face a $1.8 million deficit that has been building since 2010, described by Chief Financial Officer Dan Minney as a "mess," with the current rate of reduction taking 18 years to resolve.
"We certainly are aware that the current process of deficit reduction would take decades to overcome, the huge hole we are in," said board president Steve Whited.
"While there is plenty of blame going around, the board is working hard to fund our schools and provide the best education possible for our students," he said.
A number of administrators, teachers and service personnel have filed grievances which will be heard by an administrative law judge. Teachers initially did not file grievances over the loss of a $600 supplement, but were angered when administrators received supplements, some up to $9,100.
School Superintendent Tim Woodward said, "I feel the plan we have in place is bringing us back into financial straights," indicating that Calhoun Schools will stay afloat.
Woodward said without an adjustment to the funding formula and no levy it will take a great deal of time, saying "As far as a financial disaster, there have been counties that continue to recover from huge deficits, but the time factor is long."
Whited said, "We continue to work with the WV Department of Education and our legislators on restructuring the school aid formula."
Some counties have been funded under the 1,400 minimum enrollment policy, but Calhoun is not, with student enrollment dropping close to 1,000 students.
"It truly is tough that we have reduced expenses by over $500,000 from the previous year, and yet the actual impact was only around $100,000, and possibly less when all is said and done," Whited said.
Woodward said without an adjustment to the funding formula and no levy it will take a great deal of time.
"I have met with state board members and Dr. Martriano and spoke to the inequities of the formula and have their support. The children of Calhoun deserve the constitutional definition of a fundamental education, and currently that is not happening," Woodward said.
Board president Whited said, "As hard as this is to comprehend, it all revolves around the funding cycle, and how it is based on the number of enrolled students, the funding cycle is being affected by projected (not actual) county tax receipts."
"We must continue to educate ourselves about the subject, not just throw accusations, gossip and unfounded thoughts around, as this only creates bigger obstacles and tension. I would truly like to see the community come together and battle this issue"
Whited said he and Woodward are meeting with legislators on September 13-14 to further discuss funding issues.
Board member Larry Harris said, "We have individuals who are united in an effort to 'bankrupt' the school system."
Harris said information regarding procedures for filing a grievance against the school board was placed in staff mail boxes with emails being sent that encouraged the filing.
"I personally talked to teachers who were not in favor of such action, but felt pressured to comply," said Harris.
"As a board member, I will focus on what I can to enhance the quality of education for our children. I believe in the goodness of our students," he stated.
Other board members did not comment on the situation.
See related stories SUPERINTENDENT WOODWARD REPORTS ON SUCCESS REDUCING $1.8 MILLION DEFICIT - Office Staff Called "Dream Team," Teachers And Service Personnel Angry, Reportedly Filing New Grievance
BLEAK PICTURE FOR CALHOUN SCHOOLS MONEY CRISIS - System Leads State With Increasing $1.8 Million Deficit
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