Caution - in capital letters - was the word from Dan Carlin, Assistant Superintendent for Business. At the December Board meeting Carlin announced a $200,000 reduction in the current budget. This reduction, representing equipment and flood-related operating costs, will help the district anticipate any revenue shortfalls. Although the District does not expect any mid-year reductions in state aid, Carlin pointed out the uncertainties of income from interest, sales tax receipts, and certiorari settlements.
"We want to offset any revenue shortfalls by generating general fund surpluses on the expenditure side," he said. He added that reserves may give the District some flexibility in the 2009-10 budget. (The district expects a 10% reduction in state aid in 2009-10 - about $178,000)
Superintendent David Quattrone put the $200,000 freeze in the broader context of developing future budgets. More current budget reductions may come after a review in January. Then, on February 7, he will present a "roll-over budget" that answers the question, What would it cost to run the same programs in 2009-10? This projection will include contractual obligations and expected changes in health insurance premiums and utility costs.
Then the administration will present a series of options related to further reductions, including possible adjustments in class size and changes in non-mandated programs. Over a longer period of time, there may be opportunities to plan for further changes in management structure or delivery models. Quattrone emphasized that it is still possible to innovate and improve within existing budgetary constraints.
Board members have encouraged early and regular communication with the public about the budget plans, mentioning that per pupil cost comparisons may assist the Board in making decisions.
