From the Desk of the Superintendent

Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis, Ed.D.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Update on the districts’ budget and elementary district transition to basic aid

The California budget crisis will result in at least $2.8 million in reduced revenue to our districts. The repercussions are serious and we are preparing for any number of budget cuts that will need to be made in April. On Tuesday night, the board of education took action to transition the elementary district into basic aid status. In doing so there will be increased revenue and decreased expenses in the amount of approximately $600,000 for the elementary district. The elementary district’s financial position is expected to improve dramatically as property tax values increase over time.

Unfortunately, the state budget crisis requires that school districts prepare for any number of possible contingencies, including the issuance of preliminary certificated layoff notices and reductions of other staffing services. Once again, we must send out notices in early March without knowing what cuts will be made at the end of April and without knowing what changes may be made in the state budget in May.

We value our employees and recognize their integral roles in our schools. We appreciate staff’s dedication and commitment to creating and maintaining successful programs and services for all students in and out of the classroom.

This is a difficult time for everyone and we realize that the next few months could potentially have a major impact on all employees and their families. We are committed to being vigilant but cautious in response to the state’s budget crisis in order to maintain the districts’ fiscal solvency.