Board approves 2009-2010 budget

Board approves 2009-2010 budget
School board members Tuesday night approved the district's 2009-2010 Annual Budget -- which includes the $60,418,755 General Fund.

Chief Financial Officer Pat Johnston reviewed highlights of the budget prior to recommending to school board members they approve the document which has been discussed at several budget sessions and during a preliminary board work session prior to approval at Tuesday night's meeting.

District administrators, with the input and assistance of staff, worked as a team this school year to develop a $3.5 million Budget Savings Plan to address state revenue cuts as a result of the economic recession.

Reduction strategies included numerous internal personnel shifts, service adjustments and cost cutting efforts in supplies, equipment purchases and contractual services.

Johnston said the district will maintain a nearly 6 percent undesignated fund balance to use as a reserve to protect against future state revenue losses. Johnston said it makes sense to build in a cushion in these uncertain economic times. The school board mandates at 3 to 5 percent undesignated fund balance reserve.

2009-2010 Budget Basics
- General Fund: $60,418,755
- Budget Enrollment Projections: 5,800 FTE (up 100 students from last year)
- District Fiscal Year: September 1 to August 31