As we await confirmation from Sacramento about funding for
education for the next school year, district staff and the Board of
Education are carefully reviewing programs and services in the
Morgan Hill Unified School District for potential budget
reductions.
As we await confirmation from Sacramento about funding for education for the next school year, district staff and the Board of Education are carefully reviewing programs and services in the Morgan Hill Unified School District for potential budget reductions.
On Feb. 10, 11 and 12, three public forums were held at the middle, northern and southern ends of the district, in an effort to allow community members convenient opportunities to hear budget details, ask questions and provide suggestions. Following the forums, the district convened a budget committee composed of classified and certificated personnel, administrators and parents.
The committee met three times, reviewed reduction proposals, took into account input from the community forums and presented recommendations to the superintendent’s executive cabinet. With further refinement, preliminary recommendations were presented to the board and community at the March 10 board meeting.
The budget committee will continue to meet until the district can balance the budget.
Holding the March 10 board meeting at the Britton Middle School auditorium provided ample space for staff and community members to learn about and provide input to the budget recommendations. Deputy Superintendent Bonnie Tognazzini gave a comprehensive overview of the past two years of budget reductions and presented preliminary recommendations for next year.
Unfortunately, the picture is bleak. Based on the latest information from Sacramento, the district estimates a $3.7 million shortfall in its unrestricted general fund for the 2009-10 school year, as well as a 15 to 20 percent reduction in restricted (categorical) funding.
This is on top of a $4.6 million reduction for the current school year. Needless to say, programs and services have been hit hard.
The board and I are doing everything we can to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. While some districts are cutting athletic programs, our district is trying very hard to maintain as many educational and extra-curricular programs as we can for students.
One of the most significant changes for the district is the proposed closure of one elementary school. Combining two relatively small elementary schools (P.A. Walsh and Burnett) would save $400,000 in administrative, clerical, custodial and utility costs. Based on current class sizes and estimated kindergarten enrollment, the combined student count would be slightly more than 600 students, more closely matching the other elementary schools in the district.
The board could make a decision to combine two schools as early as the March 24 board meeting in order for staff to proceed with the logistics of preparing classrooms by August 2009.
Other reductions under consideration are: restructuring administrative and support services at the district office, tightening of staffing ratios at the school sites, further reducing grounds and custodial services, reducing elementary library clerks and technology services, eliminating class size reduction for kindergarten and elementary music, adhering to contractual stipends for walk-on coaches, and eliminating the grant writer/communications position for the district.
In addition, the district will negotiate with its employee groups for up to two furlough days for the year, saving $260,000 for each furlough day approved. Two furlough days would not affect the student calendar.
None of these decisions will be easy. We understand that each decision affects the livelihood of dedicated employees, as well as services to students, parents and the community.
As we refine our budget recommendations for next year, our primary focus remains on the education of our students, and providing support services in the most efficient, cost-effective ways. As we have done before, we know that we will get through this uncertain and difficult time.
The Board of Education is expected to take action on at least some of the proposed recommendations at the next board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Britton Middle School Auditorium. Board meetings are open to the public.
