State budget cuts prompt spending reductions for 2010-2011 school year

Walla Walla Public Schools is feeling the impact of the state's $2.8 billion budget shortfall as legislative action taken this week reduced district funding by approximately $1.2 million for next school year.

The district has developed a budget savings plan for 2010-11 to balance the district's general fund budget based on these new state revenue forecasts.

The district anticipates a nearly $62,000,000 general fund budget for the 2010-11 school year and will carry an eight percent undesignated fund balance reserve to help off-set projected state revenue reductions in coming years.

"Our continued focus for 2010-11 is to protect the classroom and the outstanding staff we have in place to do the work," Superintendent Rich Carter said. "This plan has limited the impact on district academic and extra-curricular programs and no permanent staff will lose their jobs. We are increasing our fund balance to protect the district's future interests in light of state revenue forecasts which indicate a continued economic downturn in the next biennium."

$1.2 million budget savings plan for the 2010-11 school year:

- Eliminate three administrative positions

• Eliminate Technology Director (Assessment Director Ron Higgins to assume duties of the Technology Director and continue with his current duties)

• Eliminate one Walla Walla High School Assistant Principal position (Walla Walla High School Assistant Principal Brett Cox will transfer to Garrison Middle School to replace Josh Wolcott who is transferring to Edison Elementary to replace Nancy Withycombe who is retiring at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.)
• Eliminate Plant Facilities Director position (Facilities Support Director Dan Johnson will assume the responsibilities of the Plant Facilities Director position and continue his current duties beginning September 1. Current Plant Facilities Director Lowell Schneider is retiring at the end of the 2009-2010 budget year.)

- Eliminate one certificated teaching position through attrition at Garrison Middle School

- Reduce staff professional development funds

- Reduce school supplies funding

- Reduce custodian extra time

- Reduce fund balance reserve

Total budget savings = $1.2 million 

For more information, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins.