After some major revisions took place, next year’s budget reductions for the school district were approved at the February Board of Education meeting.

A total of $403,316 was cut from the budget, which is significantly less than the originally projected $633,000 in cuts.     The district was able to save some positions and programs. The high school librarian’s position, half of a Family and Consumer Education teacher’s position, the Agriculture Extended Contract and the elementary school’s Gifted and Talented program were reinstated.

Despite the budget cut revisions, a large amount of programs and positions will still be eliminated next year. Some cuts include the elimination of the golf team and the summer school program. In addition, a CD/LD teacher position will be reduced to halftime, there will be one less football assistant coach, two and a half aid positions will be cut and the lights in the parking lots will be off from 11:15 p.m. to 4:15 a.m. Also, the financial responsibility for the district calendar/newsletter, utilities (based on community use) and seventh- and eighth-grade sports will be passed onto the Community Fund.  For a full list of the budget cuts, go the district’s website at www.chilton.k12.wi.us and click on “Final Board Approved Budget Reductions for 2012-13.”

The Chilton community has shown mixed reactions to the cuts.

“Chilton isn't struggling that bad...think of schools in like Milwaukee who can barely afford to even keep the schools running but can still fit sports in their budget,” said senior Dylan Jahnz.

Brooklyn Biese, a 2011 graduate of CHS, said, “I must say that I agree with the reduction of one of the assistant football coaches. With some sports being cut altogether, I think it's only fair that we make some cuts within the sports involving the most spending. I also feel that it is a good idea to decrease the amount of time the parking lot lights remain on. Despite these points, I'm surprised by all of the sport and summer school cuts. I didn't realize that so many budget cuts would directly affect the student body.”

Junior Britt Schroeder said, “We should find the most expenditure within a sport and reduce that spending.”

“Everyone participating in high school sports should have to pay a baseline number to be on a team. Then, those students that perform well in the classroom should have a fee cut, whether it be completely or partially based on performance,” said Mitchell Propson, also a 2011 graduate.

No matter what, these cuts will likely affect everyone in the district in some way. Unfortunately, until something is done, this may continue to affect the Chilton community for years to come with future budget dilemmas in sight.