Required notice sent to employees on Friday

By Pete Kendall/reporter@trcle.com

Rio Vista ISD has taken the first step toward a possible reduction in the district’s workforce, sending employees a formal reduction in force letter required by law.

The letter was dated Friday.

“We hope we don’t have to cut positions,” said school board president David Brunson. “If we do, this letter is the first step for districts that are stressed financially.”

He said new superintendent Tim Wright and new financial officer Billie Thornton were working to determine the district’s financial position.

“It’s not written in stone that we’ll have to cut. In case we do, we have to have this letter,” Brunson said.

Wright acknowledged the district’s financial woes.

“There is a concern that finances could lead to a reduction in the workforce,” he said, “There have not been any decisions. It’s a work in progress. We may be able to do it through attrition. There had been concerns on the campuses, so we wanted to go ahead and send out the letter.”

The letter read:

“Dear Rio Vista Independent School District Employees:

“Many of you already understand the impact legislation and declining enrollment have had on the financial situation of the district. At this time we are experiencing a significant shortfall in funds. This shortfall has necessitated a severe reduction in the 2009-2010 budget year. It is our goal to cut as little as possible, yet maintain a quality education program and remain fiscally responsible. This reduction in funds will result in a reduction of personnel.

“The district is trying reductions through attrition; however, we may have to terminate personnel due to a financial exigency that requires a reduction in force. I am referring you to Board Policy DFBA (LEGAL), DCD (LOCAL), and DFF (LOCAL) regarding this issue which you may access and download through our district Web site.

“Due to the severity of the cuts we will need to make, several positions may have to be eliminated. If you are currently or may be seeking employment in another district I would encourage you to continue that endeavor. If there is anything the district can do to assist you please let me know.

“Respectfully,

“Tim Wright

“Superintendent Rio Vista ISD”

Brunson said Rio Vista ISD is overstaffed compared with many Texas districts.

“Right now, we have a ratio of one teacher for a little over 10 kids,” he said. “That’s unheard of in Texas. The state doesn’t pay you enough for that. If we have to cut personnel, we will do it fairly. There are a number of ways. It can be done by seniority or by evaluation.”

Rio Vista is considered a cash-poor district because of declining average daily attendance and a small tax base.

“The state hasn’t helped us or any of the other districts in Texas,” Brunson said. “It’s a bad situation with the economy like it is. It got this way over a period of years. It’s a mess we got hung with.”

Rio Vista voters approved a $9.95 million bond package recently to fund construction projects.

“We can’t pay salaries out of that bond,” Brunson said.

School trustees were to gather Monday night for a regularly scheduled meeting.

“I doubt any of them have seen the letter yet,” Brunson said earlier Monday.

He said the trustees would have no formal stance on the letter.

“That’s the job of the [superintendent],” Brunson said.

If Rio Vista ISD comes to the conclusion it must reduce its workforce, a town-hall-style meeting for employees may be scheduled.

“I wouldn’t have a problem with that at all,” Wright said.