Enrollment had fallen for the past three years, reducing the amount of per-student funding the district receives from the state. That was money the board was hoping to use for bonuses. Also, the district has paid teachers more for seniority and advanced degrees, but boosting base pay is still a top priority, he added. To that end, the board passed a resolution encouraging voters to approve Amendment 23, which would fund school districts around the state with 1 percent of state surplus funds, on top of a consumer price index increase of approximately 2 percent. The board will meet in executive session next month to discuss uses for the current middle school in downtown Bayfield.
Ideas considered include a community center and senior center.
The district is asking for community input in a questionnaire in its accountability report which will be sent to area households in October. Contents copyright 2000, the Durango Herald. All rights reserved.