Superintendent Allison discusses budget process

Superintendent John Allison shared with the Board of Education the district’s spring budget process during the January 25 meeting. Superintendent Allison shared how the district is getting schools, parents and community members involved in the budget process. He told the BOE that the current projection is that the base state aid will be cut to the 1999 level.

“We’re taking a huge step back in funding and we’re going to have to make cuts,” he said. “But we probably won’t know from the State how much funding we will actually get, thus what our final cut amount will be, until May.”

Superintendent Allison has worked with principals and district budget directors to help them understand the district budget and the difference between restricted and non-restricted funds and how the district can only control funds that are not restricted. Principals and directors are currently sharing that information with their staff and parents.

He plans to create a community stakeholder committee consisting of community members and staff to work as an advisory group to the superintendent prior to bringing recommendations to the BOE.

“We will have many discussions as we move through this process,” Superintendent Allison said. “With huge cuts, we’re going to have to look at programs, services and staffing. It will be a challenge.”

“I think is great that we are having an open discussion about our budget process and that it’s beginning early,” said Barb Fuller, Board of Education President.

“We want to be transparent about our budget and we want the community to understand the complexities of our budget. I am pleased the Superintendent is getting the schools and the community involved as we move forward.”

To watch Superintendent's presentation to the BOE, click here.


January 25, 2010