Indian Hills site might be leased
School district needs revenue
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Indian Hills High School has been identified as a potential money maker for Las Virgenes Unified School District. Leasing the Calabasas alternative high school campus for a profit was one of several budget-saving ideas discussed at a Feb. 24 school board meeting.

The board members examined ways to make money and save money as California looks at a $16-billion budget shortfall. Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to bridge the deficit with a 10 percent cut to all state agencies. For California schools, the cuts amount to $4.7 billion.

The local school board identified up to $5 million of potential new revenue and cost-saving measures.

Raising funds

Leasing Indian Hills High School could yield up to $300,000 a year for the district, LVUSD chief business official Karen Kimmel said in a report.

But board member Terilyn Finders expressed fear of turning Indian Hills into a "gutted program."

"You can't leave (the principal) with a phone machine and a roll of duct tape," Finders said.

Superintendent Donald Zimring said the program would remain intact at another location. A shortterm lease might allow the students eventually to move back.

Elsewhere, the district proposed raising the tuition at Buttercup Preschool for non-special education students. The Westlake Village school would also charge those students fees during the summer. Kimmel calculated that the Buttercup changes could raise about $15,000 for the district.

Another $40,000 could be raised if the school district allows new cellphone sites on its property.

The school board also wants to encourage more out-of-area students to enroll in the distrct. Out-of-district permits bring in $5,700 per student, Kimmel said.

But not as many students will be coming from the Los Angeles Unified School District, which is said to be clamping down on its out-of-district permits.

If Las Virgenes attendance rates were to improve by just onehalf percent, the school district could bring in $300,000, Kimmel said.

The board also hopes that the Las Virgenes Educator's Association (the teachers' union) will contribute monies directly to the district rather than the school sites. If the LVEA agreed, the district could gain about $70,000.

Layoffs and more

Proposed job cuts include administrators, teachers and support staff, Kimmel said.

School deans, counselors and elementary and middle school librarians may lose their jobs. The layoffs could mean up to $690,000 in savings.

Tech support jobs could be on the chopping block as well. Although the cuts could save the district up to $490,000, the loss might jeopardize certain grants the school district receives.

Cutting custodial and grounds maintenance services have the potential of saving up to $100,000. The closing of auxiliary classrooms could save $50,000.

School Board President Cindy Iser said volunteers could not take over the job of maintaining classrooms and grounds. Independent contractors are also prohibited.

The district also is considering reducing its general fund contributions to the English Learners Program and to the teacher's support program. Reductions could save $155,000.

The elimination of individual microwave ovens and refrigerators in classrooms has the potential of saving up to $100,000 in utility bills.

Having "paperless" schools would save thousands more.

Savings on insurance were explored as well.

If high school pools were closed, about $150,000 could be saved, but some popular sports programs would end, including water polo.

Next steps

Iser said no decisions will be made on cuts or reductions until a clear message has been delivered to the governor and legislature. Board member Dave Moorman said instead of trying to "plug the dike," the root of California's school funding problems must be addressed.

On March 10, school superintendents throughout the state will go to Sacramento to lobby legislators.

A regional meeting of five local districts is scheduled on April 10.

Letter writing campaigns have also been started. E-mail Penny Saloman at Cys619@charter.net for further information on how to get involved in the fight to save school funding.