TOUGH DECISIONS FOR SHAWNEE SCHOOL DISTRICT

For several years, Shawnee Community Unite School District 84 in Wolf Lake, Ill., has seen enrollment decline due to changing economics. As a result, the 560-student district has an enviable student-teacher ration of 9 1/2 to 1. Most educators and parents would likely agree that small classes are better for learning.

But the stark reality is that declining enrollment, increased teacher salaries and no increase in state funding, the district is having to look at proposed budget cuts. The administration has put together a list of items to be dropped ranging from as little as $400 in savings to as much as $24,200.

Such choices will be tough for the district, but the fiscal facts are clear. It can be hoped that the school board will first eliminate those items that don't affect the core educational basics. Eliminating the staff Christmas party (savings: $600) might be a good first cut.