Families work to save activities

(Photo by Russ Mitchell) Spencer School Board President Dave Schlichtemeier goes over the ground rules as he opens a public hearing to comment about school budget reductions. About 100 district patrons attended the Saturday morning meeting. [Order this photo]

The district held a public hearing Saturday that drew students and their families in an effort to keep their activities off the chopping block.

Spencer School Board members have considered the elimination of a Vocational Agriculture instructor and FFA sponsor for a savings of $39,156.

Dave Hessman spoke on behalf of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce's Ag Committee.

"In the inner city of Chicago, they're adding agriculture to the curriculums now," Hessman said. "We need to know where the food comes from and how it is produced. We highly recommend, and are glad to see, that you still are keeping it."

Hessman based his understanding on the board's initial rankings for the 2009-10 budget package. The Vocational Agriculture instructor's salary and benefits package was ranking No. 3, putting it near the top of programs to be spared.

"If you need some financial help in your department of agriculture, come and see us," Hessman said.

He also represents the Clay County Cattlemen's Association and said, "We've got some bucks. We don't have to downsize. Everybody ate well at the Branding Iron this year."

The Branding Iron is the cattlemen's restaurant on the Clay County Fairgrounds. It's not far from the Chop Shop, a fundraising restaurant for the Clay County Pork Producers. Hessman said the can't speak for the pork producers, "but I think they could help, too."

Boys swimming is another program that seems to be on the safe side of budget cuts for the moment. The team turned in 18 record-breaking times in the recently-completed season. Members of the team broke seven of 11 school records.

"No one warms the bench," said Dianne Eagan, whose son, Colin is on the team. "Everyone swims."

The school board has also put the debate coach's salary on its list of potential cuts, for a savings of $5,564. Justin McCormick said he gained much more from debate than any class he's been in.

"When I came to my first tournament, I was shaky, nervous and unprepared," he said. "When I lost, I knew what I needed to do -- start preparing better and get organized."

Like debate, the mock trial program remains in a favorable position to be spared on the district's list of potential reductions. High school and middle school coaches are paid a combined $4,174 to oversee mock trial.

"One thing I'd like to make a very positive statement about, is: There are some great things happening in Spencer Schools," Spencer Superintendent Greg Ebeling said. "If you look at some of these students that are willing to get up and speak -- How awesome is that? It really is awesome. I am actually glad that as many of our students came up to speak because they have a passion about something. They have some good things happening. The board does not want to see -- I do not want to see, those things hurt."

Katie Kardell, a music instructor in the district, presented a letter signed by parents who want to avoid cuts to the music program. One of the reduction proposals funds half of a full-time position to teach music as an exploratory class at the middle school and half of an elementary band position.

If school board members approve the cut, the only music experience for middle school students would be through band and choir electives. The elementary band instructor would have less times for lessons and would teach elementary music for part of the day.

The middle school vocal teacher would teach half-time elementary music and the middle school band instructor would help teach some band lessons in the elementary schools. The reduction package would save the district $60,414.

About 90 percent of the Spencer students participating at the All-State Large Group Speech and Drama Festival in Ames are members of the high school instrumental and vocal programs.

"This letter is written on behalf of the parents who are unable to attend this hearing because they are attending the festival in Ames, supporting these outstanding students," the letter said. "As parents we recognize that music education has had a significant role in their success academically and beyond the classroom."

Members of the Spencer Music Boosters were also on hand to speak for the students. Board members will adjust their budget cut priorities at a 5 p.m. meeting Tuesday.