2011-12 Budget Planning Update
Posted March 31, 2011
At last night’s board meeting, trustees continued budget discussions for 2011-12. Trustees expressed disappointment that the California Legislature and Administration have not been able to reach agreement about how the state will close its $26.6 billion budget deficit. In particular, the Legislature has not agreed to the Governor’s proposal for a special election in June that would allow voters to decide if temporary tax increases should be extended. Whether or not the state adopts a budget for 2011-12 before the end of the current fiscal year, and despite the multitude of uncertainties, California school districts are required to submit an approved budget to the state by June 30.
Trustees last night renewed a commitment to maintaining the excellence of district schools and to making necessary budget reductions as far away as possible from the classroom. (Click on link for a preliminary list of budget reductions. Along with the list, which was published on the district website with the March 30 board agenda, the linked document provides additional background and updates about budget planning for 2011-12.)
At last night’s meeting, members of the community and staff provided public comment about the reductions that will be needed to meet the $4.5-$5 million target set by the board for 2011-12. Superintendent Lianides reported at the meeting that the district has received additional input from staff and community members who have submitted cost-saving suggestions via the survey posted on the home page of the district website. The district’s Budget Advisory Committee has convened, and the superintendent reports that he has held meetings with staff throughout the district and is currently under way with a series of budget briefings at the school sites for parents.
District and school leadership will continue with the budget planning process in the weeks ahead, and trustees will continue ongoing discussions at the next board meeting on April 13.
At the board meeting on February 16, 2011, trustees discussed development of the FY 2011-12 budget. Although there are many uncertainties related to state funding for education in FY 11-12, the state requires that school districts continue to develop a budget that demonstrates the district can meet its financial obligations while maintaining the minimum required reserves. In addition, school districts are required by California Education Code to notify teachers and other certificated staff by March 15 if they will not be employed by the district in the fall.
At the Feb. 16 meeting, trustees had a lengthy discussion about the prudent course for planning for FY 11-12. There was agreement among trustees that it is imperative the district adjust to the major sea change that is taking place. The financial crisis in California is unlike any other ever forecast or experienced by K-12 education. Along with a number of uncertainties in the short term, school districts are facing new financial realities that are here to stay.
Although very difficult, trustees concluded their discussion on Feb. 16 by directing staff to plan for $4.5 million in budget reductions in FY 11-12 based on the current uncertainties, e.g., the uncertainty that the California Legislature will support a special election in June and that voters will extend temporary tax increases to help close a $26.6 billion budget deficit. At the Feb. 16 meeting, trustees adopted a resolution in favor of placing the measure on the ballot in June “to protect our schools and students by making education a priority of our state.”
Sequoia district leadership and staff will work collaboratively to develop a plan for achieving the targeted $4.5 million budget reduction in FY 11-12, and the board will review the plan at the next regularly scheduled meeting on March 2, 2011.
