CUSD Officials Discuss District's Current Financial Slump

The Carlsbad Unified School District is among 117 districts in California listed as "qualified" meaning that it may not meet its financial obligations for the current or two subsequent fiscal years.

Currently, CUSD has a budget of $79,209,305—a decrease of $5,054,768 over the last two fiscal years. 

But, Superintendent Suzette Lovely said it could be worse.

“We want the people in Carlsbad to know that the fiscal picture is improving, but it’s not quite rosy yet," she said. "It's important for people to know that the passage of Prop. 30 did help our schools."

Proposition 30 was passed by voters in November and temporarily raised the sales tax by a quarter cent while increasing personal taxes over a seven-year period for Californians making more than $250,000. The money raised will be used primarily to fund education programs in California.

Related: CUSD Listed as District that 'Might Have Trouble Paying Bills' in Coming Years

"Prop. 30 passing avoided deeper cuts—it really saved us from what would have been devastating cuts," said Deputy Superintendent Business Services Suzanne O'Connell said. "Had Prop. 30 failed to pass, we would have needed to make mid-year cuts."

Lovely said they don't anticipate making any cuts or futher reductions in 2013. However, if needed, the district may increase class sizes for Grades 4-8 and "release temporary teachers," said Lovely.

Related: 'Yes' Votes Prevail on Proposition 30

The two are hopeful that the Governor will release a new funding model in May, "that could have significant changes for year 2 and 3 in our multi budget projections," said Lovely. 

"State budgeting is constantly changing so you keep up with it the best way you know how," O'Connell said.

Numerous Carlsbad Patch readers have expressed concern for the opening of Sage Creek High School, feeling it will further drain the district of limited resources and money. 

Lovely said the new high school is not the cause of the budget crisis, "Sage Creek and the opening of it has been underway for 6 to 7 years, even before Prop. P was passed in 2006, so the opening of it has been part of the budgeting and planning process."

"What you promised voters, you have to see through to the finish, and that is what Sage Creek is, a promise to the voters," O'Connell said. 

Related: Sage Creek High to Open With Only Freshman Class