Metropolitan Schools Hit Hard by Economic Downturn....PCR-3 Holds Ground

A compilation of information from 24 area districts created by the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City (CSDGKC) paints a grim economic and labor picture in school districts for the coming year.

CSDGKC reports $82.9 million in school cuts among member districts.

"Taking $82.9 million out of our regional economy is significant," said CSDGKC Executive Director Gayden Carruth. "School districts simply cannot provide all of the services children and their parents need when these unprecedented cuts occur. Plus, there is a negative economic impact on communities with cuts of this magnitude."

The impact on district employees is also significant. Including the 100 teachers and $44 million cut from the Kansas City Missouri School District (reported by the Kansas City Star, CSDGKC reports 727 staff jobs have been lost in the Kansas City, MO, region.

Salary adjustments also reflect the economic downturn. These adjustments to teachers salaries started with a state mandate that a .5% increase go to the Public School Retirement System. The result is that many teachers may see their take-home pay decrease. This includes five school districts whose teachers received no salary increase. Most districts report adjustments from .3% to 2.5%, and two districts report adjustments above 2.5%.

For the Platte County School District, the picture is better. While many metropolitan districts are seeing a decrease in property values, Platte County is seeing flat growth. While flat growth isn't generally desirable for a school district that has a growing population, neutral is better than negative. The district has been able to limit cost containment to minimize the overall educational impact. Due to fiscal responsibility, strong reserves and a relatively solid base of state and local money (relative to the current economic climate); Platte County R-3 School District can continue to operate in accordance with the high standards you have come to expect. Yes, it's true, it's still a great time to be a Pirate!