Study Session on School Budget

Join the in a discussion of the current process of school budget development for 2011-12.

From Albany Unified School District:

The State of California is projecting a $26 billion dollar deficit for 2011-12. The Governor's January budget proposal outlined a balance of cuts and an extension of tax revenues. The proposal was to place a tax extension measure on the June ballot. The measure has not yet been placed on the ballot nor is there any certainty of passage. 

If the State does not find a way to increase revenues, we expect to see a State budget that will force  AUSD to cut at least an additional $1.2 million. School districts throughout California have continued to shoulder the burden of the State deficit. 

During the past three years, AUSD has reduced our budget by $1.2 million. However, the Board of Trustees has made every effort to protect student programs during these lean years.

Strategic fiscal planning has retained: 
• Class Size Reduction at grades K-3 (although average class size has increased from 20 to 25)
• Class Size Reduction - 9th grade English 
• Music and Art Programs at grades K-12 
• Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes at the high school 
• Small Learning Communities (EDSET and CONNECT) at the high school 
• Science and P.E. specialists at grades K-5 
• Athletic Team Coaches stipends 
• Full-time Librarians at each site 
• A seven period day at grades 7-12 

Through excellent fiscal management we are one of the few California school districts that have not been forced to: 
• Reduce the instructional school year for students 
• Initiate negotiations and impose furlough days for staff 
• Initiate negotiations for salary freezes and/or salary reductions 
• Borrow needed cash to meet monthly salary/benefits/expenses 
• Eliminate staff development days 

If Governor Brown's proposed tax extension measure passes and we do some budget trimming to eliminate deficit spending, AUSD has adequate reserves to provide fiscal stability through 2013-14. 

Our total reserves are 12%. Without these higher reserves, the District could not meet its financial obligations through the 2013-14 fiscal year. If Governor Brown's proposed tax extension measure does not pass, we must cut at least $1.2 million. These cuts will most certainly mean the elimination or substantial modification of many excellent educational programs. 

As our community jointly addresses the State budget deficit consequences, we must do so with strategic thinking, planning, and courageous leadership by all constituents in order to preserve the 
integrity of the public school system. The common goal is to retain local control. Thank you for standing beside us as we navigate these challenging waters. 

This originally appeared at the Cornell Elementary School E-tree.