General Info > Budget Crisis

At the Board meeting, on January 28th, the budget was on the agenda for discussion and will be on the next two meeting agendas in February. As part of the discussion, an updated list of potential reductions was presented as part of the study and discussion for the Board and I want to clarify what the list was and was not.

The list was not a list of recommendations by anyone for reductions that should be made.
The list showed possible ways to reduce the budget without any changes from the State or negotiated options from employees. This will be an evolving list as restructuring plans move forward.

Many of you have communicated with me asking about why a list of reductions went to the Board if they were not recommendations. Knowing that over 80% of the District’s budget is in personnel, the Board requested a list of possible ways to reach the 17 million dollar reductions, even though many of the options presented could potentially cause departments to be unable to function and would have a huge negative impact on sites. Given that Board action will need to be taken so that employee notices go out meeting the March 15th deadline or the 45 day notice for classified, the Board will have to begin making those extremely difficult decisions regarding specific employee reductions.

The County Office of Education’s Chief Fiscal Officer, Barney Finlay, confirmed the negative status of the District budget and explained the County’s role requiring oversight and monitoring of the PVUSD budget to insure that reductions are made. Mr. Finley did also reiterate that the budget issues the District faces is a result of the crisis created at the State level.

Next Steps:
It is critical that all facets of the school community have the opportunity to give input regarding the upcoming reductions. We will be working to set up various opportunities to ensure that that happens. We have received recommendations from many of you regarding ways to communicate effectively and would welcome any others.

On Monday, all Zone meetings had a budget presentation as part of the agenda with an opportunity for input. I have already put in place processes for site leadership and district departments to give feedback about their sites and departments and also any other general suggestions for district-wide issues. I will continue to work on other opportunities to ensure all groups have the opportunity for input. I strongly believe that given that all groups, levels, departments, and school sites have to reduce, that those groups really know best what priorities are for them to stay functional, continue to meet mandates and, most importantly, continue to meet the needs of PVUSD students. All departments will be looking at restructuring, including looking at all management positions, but it will truly take all of us working together and shouldering these reductions to meet this crisis.

I have had the opportunity to meet with school district Superintendents throughout the State Thursday & Friday of this week, and while it doesn’t change the fiscal crisis that PVUSD has to meet, it was somewhat helpful to hear how other districts are dealing with the same crisis. From those involved at the State level, there was considerable hope that the State Legislature would reach an agreement on the budget last weekend or by the first of this week. In fact, I was hoping for that agreement before I sent this out to everyone. It will help when we at least know what our target is, once that agreement happens. There is also hope around the Federal Economic Stimulus Plan, but it is also unlikely that we will know the outcome of that package in time to avoid employee notices.

So, I think we continue to hope for the best, while we’re required to plan for the worst. One very good piece of news that I can share is that though there are many state employees that will not be receiving checks because of an immediate cash flow problem at the state level, PUVSD will be able to make their payroll commitments. It continues to be my sincere hope that as an educational community, we will work together to minimize the impact to all PVUSD employees, conserving as many positions as possible as we work through this financial crisis.

Dorma Baker
Superintendent

Mary Hart
Associate Superintendent