RUSD Board and Unions Agree to Negotiate Contracts

In anticipation of severe cuts in state aid, the Racine Unified School District Board of Education and the District’s unions have agreed to open contract negotiations.

On Sunday, Gov. Scott Walker told Meet the Press that he plans to cut over $1 billion in state aid to school districts and local municipalities.

Walker is expected to give his budget address Tuesday.

In February, the Board of Education reviewed a possible 2011-12 budget scenario that includes an $8 million deficit because potential savings from reduced district contributions to employee pension and health insurance costs won’t overcome a projected $10.5 million cut in general state aid.

David Hazen, RUSD chief financial officer, said this latest budget scenario reflects a $500 per student cut in state aid for its approximately 21,000 students. RUSD currently receives about $139 million in general state aid.

The RUSD projection doesn’t include the outcome of the April 5 referendum that asks voters for $35 million in additional spending on district operations beginning in 2011-12 and running through 2017-18.

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards last week warned its members that
Gov. Scott Walker is expected to ask for cuts of $900 million in state aid to
local school districts in his proposed 2011-13 state budget. This works out
to about $500 per student.

The School District released the following statement:

“The most important thing we have is collaboration,” said Bill Van Atta, School Board President.  “Collaboration is what gave the District the North Star vision for student learning and school improvement plans in every Racine Unified school, and collaboration has contributed to the gains we are seeing in student achievement.

"Having agreements in place will show that all employees who serve the children of the District can and will work together in the best interest of the children.”

Negotiations between District officials and union leadership will begin Tuesday, March 1, 2011.  Negotiations are for the 2011-2013 contract years.