Superintendent outlines impact on students, families
VERMILION — Larger classrooms, fewer teachers, reduced bus service and the possible loss of sports and other activities could become reality for Vermilion students if voters reject the school district’s operating levy Nov. 3.
Superintendent Wes Weaver said the consequences would reach beyond athletics and into classrooms where students could lose programs and additional academic support.
The district is asking voters to renew an existing 6-mill levy that generates about $4.25 million annually, breaking down to about 16% of its operating revenue.
The renewal levy would cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $185 annually or about $15 per month.
Weaver said that same homeowner currently pays about $304 annually toward the levy. Under the renewal, that amount would decrease by approximately $119 per year because of changes in state law.
Weaver explained what those losses could mean for students, families and the community.
Changes inside the classroom
If the levy fails, then the district could eliminate 39 positions, which would follow 16 positions already cut or left unfilled during the past two years.
Weaver said:
• About 75% to 80% of the district’s budget goes toward salaries and benefits, making staffing reductions difficult to avoid.
• He described how a class of 23 students could grow to 31 if a teaching position were eliminated.
• Programs — such as art, music, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and agriculture — could face reductions because they go beyond what the state requires schools to provide.
• Advanced classes and opportunities to earn college credit could also become more limited.
Weaver also expressed particular concern about younger students who need additional help with reading, learning or behavioral challenges.
Reading specialists, classroom aides and other support staff help those students keep up with their classmates. Cutting those positions would leave fewer adults available to provide individual attention.
Weaver also warned that larger classes and fewer resources could lead experienced teachers and administrators to seek employment elsewhere.
“Everybody’s job gets harder when there’s fewer people to do the work,” Weaver said.
Changes beyond the classroom
Families would also see changes to transportation and extracurricular activities if the levy fails, Weaver said.
Under the proposed cuts:
• High school busing would end.
• Six bus routes would be eliminated.
• The minimum distance for transportation would increase from 1 mile to 2 miles. That means that the district would not provide busing for any student who lives less than two miles from the school.
• All extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, would be eliminated.
Weaver said it would be difficult to justify maintaining extracurricular activities while cutting teachers and increasing class sizes.
He also believes the changes could affect Vermilion’s ability to attract and retain families.
Parents considering where to live often look at what local schools offer, from academics to athletics and the arts, he said.
Some families could consider other districts if those opportunities disappear.
Weaver acknowledged that many factors influence property values but said strong schools are an important part of a community.
The proposed reductions are not final. Weaver would make recommendations to the district’s board, which would decide what cuts to approve if the levy fails.
Without the renewal, district officials have warned that financial reserves could be exhausted by the end of 2028 if current spending continues.
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