Swan River School sees deficit

Decreasing enrollment, skyrocketing insurance costs and state budget cuts will leave Swan River School facing a $50,000 deficit in its 2010-11 school year budget, Principal Peter Loyda said.

The district's funding from the state dropped from $871,000 in the 2009-10 school year to $851,000 next year.

"A $20,000 decrease for our small of a school is pretty significant," Loyda said.

That's compounded by the fact that the school's insurance costs are anticipated to jump by 48 percent next year, along with many other schools in the area which are part of a co-op or pool for insurance.

That difference will mean another $30,000. The school, along with the pool, is exploring other insurance options that may help cut down that deficit.

SRS isn't alone in its budget problems. Other schools in the state are in similar or worse budget situations. The Bigfork School District is facing a shortfall of approximately $297,000.

Another part of the problem for SRS is that its enrollment dropped from being in the 160s to the 140s a few years ago and has not rebounded, Loyda said.

"We're in the same boat this year," Loyda said. "We took that bump 20 students down and haven't recovered."

One of the reasons Loyda sees for the drop in enrollment has to do with the current economic situation and families moving elsewhere to take other jobs or to places with lower costs of living.

Loyda said he anticipates enrollment staying about the same.

To make up for the deficit, Loyda said some program cuts will need to be made.

"My goal as principal is to keep as many personnel in place to keep the smoothly running building we've had over the years," Loyda said. "It's a tough task. I'm really looking at what is best for students first, but also what's best for staff."

Loyda said he is passionate about keeping his staff intact, but those who are at the school may be needing to step up a bit more to fill in gaps.

"It means people may have to wear extra hats — myself included," Loyda said.

Loyda said he may be faced with teaching some classes, which he said he would not be discouraged by.

The school may look at the possibility of all-day kindergarten next year as a way to increase enrollment, Loyda said. That may depend on how receptive parents are and what interest there would be in that change.

The SRS school board will meet at 5:30 p.m. May 11 in the school's library to next discuss the subject.