Achieving Results Through our Learning Networks
February 5, 2009
Budget planning for 2009-2010
Last night, the School Board received two draft proposals for the 2009-2010 school year operating budget. Both proposals use conservative approaches to balancing the budget, reflecting the realities of today’s challenging economy.
One proposal is based on Governor Pawlenty’s proposed budget, which calls for no increase in basic education funding. This proposal would require expenditure reductions of $1 million in 2009-2010, and $4 million in 2010-2011. Governor Pawlenty’s budget proposal does offer some potential new revenue through a pay-for-performance plan, and we look forward to learning more about this part of his proposal.
The second district proposal reflects the possibility that, instead of staying flat, basic funding for schools could be reduced from current levels. If funding were reduced by just 1%, expenditures would need to be cut by $4 million in 2009-2010 and $7 million in 2010-2011 in order to balance the budget.
Our School Board has discussed reducing expenditures by making cuts in staff, programs, and services, and by containing costs through contract negotiations. The Board will be studying the two district budget proposals over the coming weeks and considering the implications of the required reduction levels.
Members of the public are invited to share their ideas about how to balance the budget. On the district Web site, you’ll find a list of face-to-face opportunities, along with an online idea-gathering tool, allowing you to share your budget priorities. I’d like to draw your attention to the two Community Conversations, in particular. They’re scheduled for February 12 (Willow Lane Early Childhood Center) and February 19 (Osseo Senior High School), from 7-8:30 p.m. The February 12 event offers free childcare (advance registration required by 4 p.m., February 9) and Spanish and Hmong interpreters.
At its February 24 work session, the Board will review public input and feedback. The following week, at its March 3 regular meeting, the Board will adopt the preliminary Operating Budget for 2009-2010.
As I noted in my December e-newsletter, we’re not alone in facing financial challenges. Nearly every Minnesota school district, company, and family is having similar conversations. The challenges are great, but so are our people. I’m confident that the School Board will approve a preliminary budget that represents the best we can possibly do for the 21,000 students in our schools.
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