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Board approves staffing table with changes amid debate over cuts to MTSS and counselors
Summary
Madison School Board approved a revised staffing table (5–0) that added an HR position and adjusted assistant principal assignments while members debated proposed reductions to MTSS coordinators, paraprofessionals and counselors to address a projected ~$658,000 revenue shortfall.
The Madison School Board voted to adopt a revised staffing allocation for the coming year, approving an amended table that added a human resources position and altered assistant principal assignments to 12‑month positions.
Finance staff told the board the district projects a revenue decline in the coming year and cited a working estimate of roughly $658,000 in reduced revenues; the superintendent said projected unassigned fund balance would remain near 6.6%. The staffing table was presented as a planning document that preserves positions on the books while allowing administrators flexibility to not fill roles if budget constraints demand it.
Board members split on how to balance fiscal realities with classroom needs. Several members argued reductions to MTSS coordinators (from three to two), cuts to 1‑to‑1 paraprofessional coverage in some grades, and fewer guidance counselors would directly harm early intervention and special‑education identification efforts in grades K–2. One speaker described high caseloads and hundreds of meetings for MTSS coordinators as evidence that cuts would create service gaps.
Proponents of the staffing approach said leaving positions in the staffing table but using attrition and careful filling decisions would retain flexibility while the district finalizes a formal budget with the state Department of Education later in the summer. Finance staff also identified potential savings from school consolidation, moving district offices, and changes to the district's self‑funded insurance program, though those numbers require more detailed follow‑up.
The board approved the amended staffing table in a recorded vote of 5‑0. Members asked the superintendent and finance office to provide a side‑by‑side comparison of last yearapproved staffing allocations vs. the proposed plan, with dollar amounts showing where proposed changes create the projected savings.
Quote highlights: "I'd like to see the dollar amount of savings for each of those positions," said Board member (S6), calling for a line‑by‑line reconciliation tied to the $658,000 projection. "I'd rather have the positions available and not need them than need them and not have them," said Board member (S7), supporting preserving positions in the staffing table while using attrition as a management tool.
Ending note: The board approved the staffing table with amendments and directed staff to deliver a detailed savings breakdown and final budget figures during the formal budget preparation period.
