Districts observe state budget uncertainty
February 26, 2010
Members of the Belen Consolidated Schools Board of Education, having recently attended a board institute in Santa Fe for mandatory training, said they were surprised with how much uncertainty there is about the state’s budget and its possible effect on local education.
During the training, the board members heard from officials with the New Mexico Public Education Department, legislators and even Gov. Bill Richardson.
“They couldn’t give any substance because they truly didn’t know what the budget situation was, and you could see them skirt all the issues,” said Belen Board President Jamie Goldberg.
In the past the board members have been able to talk with officials and legislators about specific projects and district growth, but this year the conversations were more about the need for patience as legislators and other state officials work through budget issues. Goldberg called the conversations “somber.”
The legislative session ended last week without a solution to the budget deficit, which means legislators will convene in a special session next week to continue to work on the issue.
The Belen and Los Lunas districts already had to manage budget cuts as the state tries to find money wherever it can. While legislators in general say they support education, it’s unclear if education can be spared cuts during the special session.
“This board has taken a strong position, when talking to our legislators, in not having or taking any cuts at all in education. We understand the situation. We understand the condition of the state, but we just don’t want them to cut education,” said Belen Board Member Julian Luna.
While Belen Consolidated Schools has a stable budget situation, even after the cuts, Los Lunas Schools has been reeling, proposing major changes to its school day to save money by cutting back on staff and faculty, coupling the changes with high school reform proposals.
With the districts each employing more people than any other entity in Valencia County, the number one priority for them has been protecting jobs. Los Lunas Schools has chosen not to fire anyone, but isn’t filling some vacant positions.
“Like any business, you want to protect your employees. That’s what we’re going to be doing,” Luna said.
Both districts rehired their superintendents this week, with neither getting a raise.
Superintendent Patricia Rael and Belen’s board members mutually decided not to raise her salary.
“There’s no pay raise for a second year for Dr. Rael. The employees didn’t get one last year, so she didn’t as well — and again this year,” Goldberg said.
Superintendent Bernard Saiz was offered a raise by the Los Lunas board, but he chose not to accept it because of that district’s budget situation.