Budget update

Our school board had planned to meet this evening for a budget work session. Unfortunately, because so many factors regarding state funding for 2010-2011 are still undecided, the work session has been postponed. The board will likely schedule another budget meeting in early May.

Currently being discussed in the state legislature are bills that would impact the amount of funding for the foundation formula and the dollar value modifier (used to adjust the foundation formula for cost of living differences between districts). Typically we receive an annual increase of $2 million in revenue from the foundation formula. That will not be the case in 2010-2011. Other programs legislators have targeted for cuts next year include transportation, Parents as Teachers and summer school.

When we began our annual budget process this year, we were expecting our revenues to remain flat for next year. Depending on decisions at the state level, though, we could be facing funding cuts amounting to several million dollars. Right now we have no choice but to wait for the state funding picture to crystallize.

An opinion piece by school board president Gerry Lee is printed in today's newspaper. He offers some insight into the funding dilemma we face. I encourage you to read it.

It is possible that we won't have any clearer information about our budget until May. Check The Bottom Line section of our web site for updates as they are available.