2008-09 budget proposal has lowest spending increase in several years

Total tax impact of $146 million budget is 3.69%

Keeping in mind that people are struggling with the increase in the cost of food and gas, district officials have proposed a budget that carries the lowest spending increase in the past several years. On May 20, residents will vote on a $146 million budget that, if approved, would have a projected 3.69% tax increase. Reductions of $1.5 million were made to the first draft of the budget in an effort to be mindful of current economic situation and to lower the impact on taxpayers. Despite this, district officials were able to maintain all current programs and services and include new funding for some key areas.

As part of the effort to enhance fiscal accountability, the district also changed to a new account coding structure that allows for more transparency and greater ease and overall effectiveness in monitoring and managing the use of funds.

What’s new in the budget?

·         Student program enhancements – The proposed budget funds:

o        A multi-year phase-in of a Freshman Seminar Model that focuses on developmentally-appropriate, transitional activities and takes advantage of the uniqueness of having a 9^th grade building.

o        The second year of the high school Alternative Education Program, a program for students at risk of dropping out, enabling that program to double the number of students who are able to attend.

o        A restructure of the LOTE Program at the middle school, enabling students to test for proficiency at the end of 8^th grade versus waiting until the end of 9^th grade.

o        A new Math-Science-Technology (MST) Academy- a multi-disciplinary program that integrates the key aspects of each area, lending to a rich, project-based instructional experience for students.

o        The first phase of recommendations from the District Instructional Technology Integration Committee establishing the capacity to use cutting edge technology to enhance critical thinking, as well as to better manage, analyze and use data and key information to validate our values and beliefs about what is best for students.

o        Streamlining Academic Intervention Services (AIS) at the elementary level to ensure that they align with the unique needs of students.

o        Unanticipated Special Education Services needs and provide direct science instruction to self-contained students at the middle school.

·         Health and safety – The proposed budget funds:

o        New measures to appropriately monitor the entrances to school buildings, particularly at the middle schools, Okte and Chango.

o        Additional nursing and athletic training services will help ensure appropriate coverage in buildings, sporting events and on field trips.

·         Furniture, supplies, equipment and facilities – The budget funds:

o        The replacement plans for furniture/equipment.

o        New textbooks.

o        The first phase of operating costs related to the opening of the aquatics center-swimming pool.

o        Graphing calculators as required by the state.

o        Standardized classroom supplies.