Schools
Lindbergh School District Recovering from the 'Darkest' Financial Period in History
Teacher retention and salary schedules among agenda items discussed in last night's Lindbergh Board of Education meeting.
Lindbergh Board of Education (BOE) members met with representatives of the Lindbergh National Education Association (LNEA) in a special meeting Tuesday to discuss how to better balance the 2012 budget to best serve the teachers, students and faculty within the district.
Despite a cumulative loss in revenue of $18 million for the 2007 through 2012 time periods and increases in resident student enrollment, the group agreed to do everything they can to avoid making cuts in the classroom and cut anything they can outside of the classrooms first.
“The district is almost through its darkest financial period in history,” Chief Financial Officer Pat Lanane said. “I predict at least two more years until the district financially rebounds.”
Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The meeting continued with board members agreeing to work closely with LNEA representatives to determine teacher salary schedules in a competitive, timely manner to lessen uncertainties among teachers when renewing contracts. The board hopes this change will help secure the best and brightest teachers in the district.
Scott Fleming and Doug Barton were among LNEA representatives to suggest that some teachers take on more roles to maximize salaries while lowering class sizes. The use of technology in classrooms and implementing students’ devices was discussed as a helpful tool to improve learning environments.
Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We are working to train teachers in new technology that’s in conjunction with students’ technology and media devices,” Lindbergh Superintendent Jim Simpson said.
LNEA representatives asked that the technology currently in place at schools be maintained and replaced if needed and implement a program to expand students’ education on preparing their devices for use in the classroom.
“We wouldn’t be here without the LNEA and the board working together to solve problems,” BOE President Vic Lenz said.“The Board will continue to reassess the numbers to balance the budget without cutting staff positions. We want to keep a sense of unity and community within our district.”
Board members met in an executive session following the meeting to discuss several topics such as legal matters, personnel and student discipline, acquisition of real estate and preparations for negotiations with employee groups.
Lindbergh School District is ranked No. 1 in Missouri for academic achievement and received a National District of Character award among other recognitions.