From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis, Ed.D.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Just when we believed we had gained control of our budget problems and were getting accurate numbers, we were presented with a new set of challenges from the governor’s budget proposal that demand direct and immediate action.
Where we were in 2007
When we were presented with inaccurate budget figures at the end of June 2007, I moved quickly to replace the budget director and launched an internal analysis as well as an external analysis by the Santa Barbara County Education Office to identify the errors. I also replaced the assistant superintendent with an interim chief business officer (CBO) of the highest caliber and the board brought in outside expertise from School Services of California for independent analysis and recommendations on our business practices and staffing.
The numbers we received in September were verified by numbers we saw from the new CBO in December. Both foresaw a multiple-year projection that called for cuts in two years to make our minimum three percent reserve. The accuracy of those numbers was substantiated by School Services of California consultants.
Where we are in 2008
California school districts received a budget proposal from the governor that is unprecedented in its magnitude, calling for the biggest cuts to education in history. While we must hope that state legislators will not accept the governor’s budget as presented, we must nonetheless prepare for cuts. For our districts such cuts would mean the loss of over $3 million and bring us far less revenue next year than we have this year.
School Services of California not only substantiated our budget figures, they applied the proposed draconian decreases to show us that IF the governor’s proposal is enacted we will need to make some $4 million in cuts to our districts’ budget for next year. We all hope this will not be necessary but we cannot afford to ignore it and must plan as if it may happen.
Since every dollar saved this year will help our budget situation next year, the following measures are now in effect:
- A budget freeze on general fund expenditures is being imposed immediately. This does not apply to categorical funding. Categorical funds are restricted and they cannot be “banked” because, by law, categorical programs must be provided for needy students now.
- Vacant positions may not be filled immediately and will be evaluated by Cabinet on a position-by-position basis.
We are preparing for possible cuts in programs and gathering ideas from staff on ways to save money. In February, I am visiting each school to talk with staff on what the budget situation means to the Santa Barbara School Districts.