Kyrene School District Budget
Message from Dr. David Schauer, Kyrene Superintendent
01-15-09
As we begin 2009, our country is facing difficult times. In December, I wrote a column (Read column) for several local newspapers noting that the Kyrene School District is familiar with budget challenges because of inadequate state funding and a gradual decline in enrollment over the past decade. However, since past and present Governing Boards and Superintendents have seen to it that Kyrene is one of the most efficiently run districts in the state, we are in better shape than many other school districts. For example, according to the Auditor General's Classroom Spending Report in 2006-07, the state average for classroom spending was 57.9% while Kyrene spent 63.5%.of its budget directly in the classrooms. Kyrene also maximizes the use of “carry forward” funds and prepays insurance expenses as much as possible.
Most Arizonans know our state is facing an unprecedented deficit.
Everyone will have to make sacrifices and be creative to get through these tough times. Estimates coming in tell us the state is facing a shortfall of $1.6 billion this year and as much as $3 billion in the next fiscal year. There are a number of solutions being reported on by the media that various state leaders are considering. One of those proposals asks for budget cuts this year of $103 million and $892 million next year from the K-12 Education programs. These types of cuts would have a devastating impact on educational programs across the entire state. A school district like Kyrene would face a loss of approximately 17 million dollars of various budgets based on this proposal. Since almost 90% of the Maintenance and Operations budget is devoted to salaries and benefits, it is clear that programs and people would have to be cut. This would result in more unemployment and fewer people able to spend money in the local economy. Ideas for cutting programs range from Full-Day Kindergarten to Career Ladder and everything in between. At this point no one knows for sure what will happen so it is important not to speculate and to seek accurate information.
Thomas Jefferson, the father of American education, felt that democracy could only succeed with an educated populace. With some of the proposed cuts totaling as much as $1,000 less funding per pupil, it is doubtful that we could meet this expectation. Particularly when we know that Arizona is already ranked 49th in per pupil educational funding when compared to the nation. We are hopeful that revenue enhancement options will be considered along with budget cuts. The Kyrene staff and community have already taken a number of steps and will continue to do what we can to be part of the solution. Our legislators have asked that parents get in touch with them and give them guidance. They want to know how education budget cuts would affect you and want to hear your ideas.
Kyrene has cut unspent dollars in this year’s budget from 15% to 30% in various departments and schools in order to reserve funds for whatever may occur. We are examining programs to look for cost efficiencies. Our goal is to be fiscally responsible and yet still provide the quality education for which our district has been known the past 120 years. It’s our hope that the citizens of this state will require our legislature to support those goals and not make short-term decisions that will have long-term consequences for our children
Economic downturns have occurred before. History shows we, as a nation, emerge stronger than ever from this kind of adversity. On this webpage we’ve provided ways for you to get further information and to provide your suggestions on ideas you believe Kyrene should be considering as we move forward. It is most important that the voices of our community be heard.
Talk to your legislators and also give us your ideas. We value your input!
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