At a recent Lafayette School District meeting, the Board reviewed a proposed Budget Reduction Plan. It wasn't pretty.
"We are wrangling with how to address a $2.2 million dollar structural deficit," said District Superintendent Dr. Fred Brill. To make matters worse, "We are operating with incomplete information." A number of important budget components are unknown, including whether Parcel B - the proposed parcel tax - will pass; what action will be taken in Sacramento also remains a mystery.
As Brill sees it, the District is required to submit three years worth of balanced budgets, and if teachers may possibly receive a pink slip, the District is required to give them notice by March 15. Yet the revenue side of the equation won't be known until June.
"It's a ludicrous situation," said Peggy Marchburn, Chief Communications Officer for Contra Costa County Office of Education, "creating a budget with incomplete information." She explained it's a little like Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons, who will gladly pay Tuesday for a hamburger today. "The County Superintendent's Office is working with districts to offer guidance and on-going support, but the State is withholding funds and it's not a sustainable situation."
To see the Budget Reduction Plan for yourself, go to the Lafayette School District website www.lafsd.k12.ca.us. Concerned residents are encouraged to attend the Wednesday, March 9 Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Stanley Middle School, 3455 School Street, Lafayette.
"We are wrangling with how to address a $2.2 million dollar structural deficit," said District Superintendent Dr. Fred Brill. To make matters worse, "We are operating with incomplete information." A number of important budget components are unknown, including whether Parcel B - the proposed parcel tax - will pass; what action will be taken in Sacramento also remains a mystery.
As Brill sees it, the District is required to submit three years worth of balanced budgets, and if teachers may possibly receive a pink slip, the District is required to give them notice by March 15. Yet the revenue side of the equation won't be known until June.
"It's a ludicrous situation," said Peggy Marchburn, Chief Communications Officer for Contra Costa County Office of Education, "creating a budget with incomplete information." She explained it's a little like Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons, who will gladly pay Tuesday for a hamburger today. "The County Superintendent's Office is working with districts to offer guidance and on-going support, but the State is withholding funds and it's not a sustainable situation."
To see the Budget Reduction Plan for yourself, go to the Lafayette School District website www.lafsd.k12.ca.us. Concerned residents are encouraged to attend the Wednesday, March 9 Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Stanley Middle School, 3455 School Street, Lafayette.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA