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| Schools plan ahead for deep budget cuts |
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| Written by Maddy Houk / Patterson Irrigator | |
| Saturday, 09 February 2008 | |
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Patterson Unified School District’s board this week discussed eliminating 30 positions in a worst-case scenario to cope with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state budget cuts. The district’s budget committee has met since mid-January to plan for a $14.5 billion state budget gap — $400 million of which could be cut from education. The district plans to tighten its belt, eliminating positions, including administrators, teachers and other employees. Steve Menge, assistant superintendent of administrative services, told the board the cuts would be done through retirement and attrition and, if necessary, layoffs, all taking effect July 1. “We’ve been through this before, but this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” Menge said. California is 46th in the nation in per-pupil funding — $2,000 less than the national average per child, district officials said. Menge said all money in the district’s general fund — $38 million — is accounted for, with about 85 percent in salaries and benefits. Cuts cannot merely be taken from materials and supplies, he said. Superintendent Patrick Sweeney said deep cuts are inevitable. “We might have to do some things that aren’t popular,” he said. Board President Ruben Piña was concerned about what the cuts would mean for students. “One thing we have to focus on is how is it going to affect students?” Piña said. “Are we going to look at things that are not necessary to have rather than instructional programs? If we’re going to cut 30 jobs, does that mean we’re overstaffed? I don’t think so.” The projected enrollment in the district next year is 5,450 students, with 5,129 of those students in school on an average day. Expected loss in state money is estimated at $400 per student. Trustee Bruce Kelly asked for an updated budget report before March 1 and said he would like to see the numbers on paper. “I’d like to see a spreadsheet of the brainstorming sessions,” Kelly said. “Put it on a spreadsheet that shows, if we do this, this and this … what would that buy us?” Sweeney suggested the update could be presented at the end of February, or the board could have a special meeting in March and make a final decision. Trustee Gilbert Lujan said the issue is critical. “I think it’s very important to have everyone involved in this process,” Lujan said. On Wednesday, the district sent a letter to administrators and staff about the budget cuts and imposed an spending freeze. All general-fund expenditures for nonessential materials will be put on hold. Also, all open staff positions that are not immediately needed will not be filled. Meanwhile, the legislature has a few more weeks to review the proposed budget and accept, reject or modify it. In the beginning of March, the school district will again report to the board with local budget updates, depending on what happens in Sacramento.
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