Board saves music, science programs from cuts

The Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees voted to liquidate an assistant superintendent position to free up budget space for music and science programs Thursday.

District Supt. Marc Ecker said the district was forced to trim $1.6 million from its 11 elementary and middle schools because of California’s across-the-board budget cuts.

The district will not replace Assistant Supt. Carl Dane’s position when he retires, instead dividing his responsibilities among other staff. This will eliminate $155,000 from the budget.

“As a result of this positional cut, the board was able to save a couple of programs that are very dear to their heart,” Ecker said.

Ecker said the board was concerned over cutting music because studies show a correlation between the arts and academic performance.

Science curriculum itself wouldn’t have been in danger, but the hands-on Science Works program the district uses would have had to go.

“What you would end up seeing is a reversion back to the book-type science [classes],” Ecker said.

Along with the management position, one counselor, four P.E. teachers and a special education specialist will be eliminated. The supply budget was reduced by 10% and equipment funds for things like vehicles, computers and furniture were cut by 55%.