District remains fiscally sound

District remains fiscally sound
Cooperative effort key to stability

District Chief Financial Officer Pat Johnston reported to school board members during a public work session the district will not face any staff cuts or significant program changes when the 2011-12 general fund budget is recommended for adoption next month.

Johnston said spending reduction efforts the past several years and increased student enrollment in recent years has helped the district weather the global recession.

Johnston did report the district was cut $517,000 in revenue in a mid-year state funding reduction during the 2010-2011 school year. She said the district will also face nearly a $529,000 cut in state funding for general fund programs for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

"Fortunately, Walla Walla Public Schools planned for this type of legislative action and took proactive measures during the past two years to tighten its belt," Johnston said. "The district was able to use fund balance to offset the reduction and was not forced to reduce staff or programs."

The district is budgeting for 100 more students in 2011-12. The district has grown more than 400 students in the past five years. Johnston said the 2011-12 General Fund Budget will maintain an approximate eight percent undesignated reserve. The school board will vote on the 2011-12 budget August 16.