09-10 Budget Process
kathleen a. kaufman
You forwarded this message on 1/17/2009 10:04 AM.
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 9:52 AM
To: ISD709
From Bill Hanson, Director of Business Services:
As you know, we have a substantial budget deficit to address in 2009-10. At this point the state faces its own overwhelming budget challenges, and it’s likely we’ll see no funding increase from the state next year, and could possibly see funds reduced. Because of that, we’re now estimating our own budget deficit at about $4.5 million.
One of the budget considerations shared with you and the community in October 2008 was the possibility of accelerating our school consolidation schedule to see general fund budget savings.
We’ve been researching that strategy, and whether or not it’s doable, so you’ve probably heard people talking about the possibility of merging schools earlier than planned. We should be able to share detailed information regarding that strategy and others with you by the end of January.
Below are the considerations as they stand at this time. Please keep in mind we expect a budget deficit not only this year but for years to come, so in some respects it’s a not a question of “if” we do these considerations, but “when.†Thank you for your advice and support as we work through this important process.
EST. SAVINGS EST. INCREASE
Eliminate General Fund support for Co/extracurricular programs $1,100,000
Athletic/Extra-curricular offerings reduced to two HS $250,000
Additional staff development reduction 50% $550,000
Increase class size by one $1,176,000
Eliminate 8th grade option STC $232,000
Fund STC from ratio $940,800
Transportation services reduced to state guidelines $300,000
Accelerate school closing schedule $1,700,000
Reduce Middle School allocation by 3.5 FTE $294,000
Reduce administrative positions $100,000
Charge space cost to discretionary programs – $100,000
Reduce ESL program – $84,000
Combine teen parent and habitat programs – $84,000
Reduce elementary school day 15 minutes $840,000
Change Middle School from 7 to 6 period day $901,000
Elementary Day – Shorten by 15 minutes $840,000
Eliminate the High School zero hour $252,000
Lengthen School Day and Reduce # of School Days $864,000
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