Tagged: Keokuk School

The Keokuk School Board is weighing future goals versus current needs as it considers cutting next year’s budget.

The panel met for nearly two hours, Monday night, to review the administration’s plan for closing a $1.3-million shortfall.

It calls for the use of @$580,000 in cash reserves and $700,000 in cuts.

The cash reserves are being looked at as a one-time revenue source, so the same amount would likely be needed through cuts next year.

The budget cuts garnering the most attention, during the special work session, were the elimination of a part-time high school science teacher and a part-time high school math teacher.

Several board members were concerned about whether this would lead to some courses being cut because of a reduction in staff.

The Keokuk School District is proposing some major language changes in a new contract with its teachers.

The initial offer from the district to the Keokuk Education Association calls for a freeze in the base pay for new teachers.

It also seeks no movement on the salary schedule for experience or education.

The district also wants KEA members to start using direct deposit.

The most significant changes, though, come in the area of insurance.

The district wants to present health and dental insurance plans that are similar to what was provided the previous year.

In the past, the KEA was able to review the insurance policies.

The offer would also make members eligible for insurance, as opposed to being covered by a plan.