District Budget Planning and Information for 2008-09

Current Update on Budget Status

April 23, 2008

Dear parents, guardians, and community members,

As you know, we join districts across Washington State in facing a significant challenge in balancing our 2008-09 General Fund budget. Due primarily to the Legislative decision to increase compensation without fully funding the cost, we currently estimate a $3 million to $3.27 million deficit in expenditures compared with revenues for next year. (Statewide, the deficit due only to compensation costs for all school districts is estimated by OSPI to be $94.3 million.)

School districts are ethically and legally required to adopt balanced budgets, and we are now in the process of determining how to reduce expenditures to match revenues for 2008-09. At last night’s board meeting, we presented details on the anticipated changes in overall expenditures and revenues, and a list of the potential budget reductions being considered to balance the budget.

The information presented to the board has been posted on this website, as well as other budget information.

In addition, you are welcome to provide feedback in any of a number of ways:

• E-mail your comments and suggestions to MillerM@edmonds.wednet.edu
• Participate in upcoming meetings scheduled to provide an opportunity for input (see below)

Timelines for input and decisions

The board will hold a study session with the Budget Advisory Council on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:00 p.m. to review and discuss the budget information in more detail. Community meetings have also been scheduled to share information and gather feedback:

• Tuesday, May 27th – 7:00 p.m. at Lynnwood High School
• Thursday, May 29th – 7:00 p.m. at Edmonds Woodway High School
• Wednesday, June 4th – Noon at the Educational Services Center

The first reading of the proposed budget is scheduled for the regular board meeting on July 8th, and the second reading/final adoption is scheduled for the board meeting on August 12th. Both meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the ESC.

In summary

We know the proposed reductions represent heartache for individual employees and families, for programs and departments that work hard to provide quality services to students and staff, and for all of the recipients of the services that have been provided in the past. The list of potential reductions has not been generated lightly – each line represents long discussions and a very difficult decision over how to best meet the funding shortfall we face within the parameters we have to provide the highest quality educational program we can, maintain our legal obligations, provide safe and clean schools, and meet community expectations.

Please let me know of any suggestions, alternatives, or concerns you have that should be considered as we move to a final recommendation. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of the challenges we face.

Thank you,
Marla Miller
Assist Superintendent, Business and Operations

Budget Development Timeline

The state Legislature concluded its session this year on March 13. Superintendent's Staff began reviewing the General Fund budget in March, researching potential areas for reductions and creating a reduction list. This list was reviewed with P-12, the district's administrative team, on April 8 and the Budget Advisory Council (BAC) for input and feedback. Ultimately, the superintendent must recommend a balanced budget to the school board in late June or early July, with final adoption of the budget required by state law by August 31.