While trustees wait for details on the state's school budget in May, they approved district staff recommendations on where and how the expected $3 million budget cut would come out of the district.
Based on the state's $14 billion budget shortfall, the district expects to be short about $3 million in state funding from its 2008-09 school budget.
Restricted funds, or categorical funds, are used for specific state-approved and -funded programs. These funds are expected to be slashed by $1 million. General fund programs, that go to run the rest of the district, will be cut by $2 million to meet the shortfall.
Trustees braced for the reductions by approving recommendations to cut funds for positions at the district office, custodial services, clerical services, certificated positions, the music program and grounds services.
Some 33 district employees may be laid off from their work in these programs, and another 24 vacant positions will remain empty.
The state's budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year will be revised in May, and those revisions will be announced May 20. These revisions will provide information about the impact on school districts.
"You hope every day that the (state budget cuts) aren't going to be as bad as they make it sound," Trustee Don Moody said. Moody expressed frustration that the board has to move forward on a budget that at the state level isn't finalized.
Trustee Shelle Thomas sounded skeptical that any good would be announced on May 20.
"The way the state talks, it's probably only going to get worse, and it's certainly not going to help kids," she said. "I don't think they can do better without raising taxes. We have to be prepared for additional reductions."
On May 27, district staff will present revisions to the budget reduction recommendations, based on new information announced on May 20, to the school board for adoption.
On June 10, the entire budget will be presented by district staff to the school board for review.
And then, at the June 24 board meeting, a public hearing on the budget will be held, and the board will vote on whether to adopt the budget.
"It's a sad, sad situation," said Donna Foster, Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers president.
About 87 percent of the district's more than $65 million budget goes to to personnel salaries and benefits.
In 2004, the district faced a $2.8 million cut.
2008-09 Budget meeting dates
■ May 27: Staff will present revisions based on the state government's budget revise
■ June 10: Staff will present entire school budget to board as information
■ June 24: Public hearing on budget held; adoption of budget
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett covers education and city issues for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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