AFTER THE VOTE: BUDGET REDUCTIONS 2016-17

Attached is a PowerPoint with the details of the 2016-17 Draft Budget with Reductions.  The budget and reductions were drafted conservatively and carefully while taking into consideration what is the best way to proceed with limited funding and without increased revenue. 

A great deal of time and effort went into the development of a Draft budget that although is not optimal, most effectively allocates the limited resources available to our district.  First, upon Mrs. Sheffer’s recommendation, the Board decided to take a conservative approach by reducing approximately a half million dollars this upcoming school year instead of taking more drastic measures to offset the $1 million shortfall right away.  By implementing these conservative reductions last year & the upcoming school year, our leadership will have time to see the state’s education budget with a new governor and new commissioner of education at the helm. 

During the current 2015-16 school year, the Board chose to be proactive by making several of these budget reductions even prior to knowing the outcome of the occupational tax to allow for less drastic measures in the 16-17 Draft budget.  Last night, the Board approved the rest of the reductions that will be implemented in the 2016-17 school year to total about $525,000.

Mrs. Sheffer, Mrs. Morris, and the Board have decided to focus on REDUCTION rather than ELIMINATION to preserve our core responsibility of teaching and learning.  By spreading reductions throughout the budget, no one program or sport was eliminated.  Also, by reducing stipends and assistant coaching positions, no full-time staff positions were eliminated.