Salida School District Budget Crisis this Wednesday 9am
February 8th, 2010On City Squawk.
The District Accountability meeting at the Salida High School tonite was attended by some very concerned citizens, parents and school district personnel. It was not a large turnout considering the task at hand: an anticipated budget deficit of $750,000. This deficit is largely due to cuts in state funding. The state has provided guidance to expect more cuts in following years.
Ideas for addressing this crisis were solicited by District members. Frustrated parents and nervous faculty voiced opinions and creative ideas in an open and collaborative atmosphere.
Ideas discussed were a four-day school week, increasing fees for sports participation, personnel cuts, program cuts, and elimination of the lunch program. There are processes for applying to use part of the reserves, however if the cuts are to continue in subsequent years, considering other ways of funding the district is more responsible.
There are no clear cut answers for the Board. The Board will discuss input obtained from this evening’s participants, and those from several similar meetings held around the district, at Tuesday’s Board meeting. Cuts are inevitable, but the board will likely present some worst case scenarios tomorrow night.
John Rouse or one of the other Board Members will be on the show Wednesday 9am, after Tuesday’s meeting to discuss the meeting, the crisis we face, and answer questions from you. Submit your questions now here.
-Jacqueline
