Good to Great March 2010 - First Draft Budget FAQ

At the March 9 Board of Education meeting, a first draft budget for the 2010-11 school year was presented to the Board.  As I indicated at staff meetings in February, the loss of state aid coupled with the poor economic picture resulted in some difficult and painful reductions included in the draft.  The intent of presenting a draft budget a month prior to approval is to garner feedback from the Board of Education, employees, stakeholder and community groups in order to make refinements prior to a formal recommendation and approval by the Board of Education on April 13.  Following the draft budget presentation, questions have arisen about the budget and its development process.  The FAQ below is an attempt to answer some of those questions.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of a first draft budget? The first draft budget was intended to provide the Board of Education with a broad-based view and context for the 2010-11 budget.  It was an opportunity for the Board to provide direct feedback to the Superintendent.  It also provided a first look opportunity for the community as the draft budget is presented during public session.  

How were 1st draft budget reductions identified and determined? The Administrative Cabinet, working in teams, were given targeted reduction amounts in their areas of oversight.  These targeted reduction areas were then prioritized by the Cabinet and then further examined by the Assistant Superintendents and Superintendent before inclusion into the first draft 2010-11 budget.

What changes could occur? There remains the possibility of additional revenues through the adoption of the State budget, which is due April 1, or approval of additional federal funding similar to last year’s Stimulus (a bill has passed the House and is still under consideration in the Senate).  If either of these events were to occur prior to the scheduled adoption of the budget by the Board on April 13, they could result in some restoration of reductions.  There also continues to be discussions with the leadership of each bargaining group about the possibility of cost-saving contract modifications that would be used to restore position reductions.

What happens next? Following the feedback received from the Board  at the March 9th meeting, refinement to the draft 2010-11 budget proposal will continue and an updated budget including revenue projections will be shared and examined at the March 23 Board meeting.  The Superintendent’s recommended budget will finally be presented to the Board of Education on April 13.  

Who decides and when? The 1st draft budget was framed by the Administrative Cabinet, drawing on  employee and community input through their survey results and direct feedback.  Senior District administrators will help me to develop the final recommendations based upon feedback received from the Board, employees and community, along with developments in the financial picture of the State and the local community.  The Board will then vote on my final recommendations on April 13.  

Who do I direct my budget comments to? Comments and suggestions may be provided to the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendents electronically at their school e-mail account.

Sincerely, Dave

BACK to the SUPERINTENDENT'S PAGE