Board
reviews proposed 2010-2011 budget
May 10, 2010
At a work session dedicated to the preparation of the 2010-2011 budget, Springfield Public Schools’ board of education asked administration to prepare a revised budget proposal for 2010-2011 reflecting a 0.5 percent salary adjustment for employees that would offset an increased contribution to the state retirement system. The 0.5 salary adjustment will come from a reduction of approximately 10 FTE in addition to a reduction of 57 FTE in the proposed budget.
Despite cuts of more than $10 million over the previous two years, SPS faces flat revenues for the 2010-2011 school year and an increase of approximately $2.4 million in necessary expenditures, including increased contributions to the retirement system, utility costs, legal fees, and urgent facility maintenance needs. The proposed budget included more than $5.1 million in reductions. Those reductions included:
- Staffing: 57 FTE, including approximately 26 FTE that will increase the district’s average class size by 0.75 students.
- Parents As Teachers: the proposed budget reduces PAT by $770,000, reflecting significant cuts at the state level.
- Fuel: Current fuel prices allow for a reduction of about $245,000. Actual savings may vary depending on fluctuation in fuel costs.
- Counseling: A reduction of 2 FTE amounts to savings of $121,726.
- Utilities: During summer months district staff will work 10-hour days allowing buildings to be closed Fridays which will save $93,138 in utility costs.
- Special Education: Reduction in purchased services will save $70,000.
- Instructional Specialist for School Improvement: A reduction of 2 FTE saves $140,000.
Staffing cuts will come mainly through attrition.
Administration presented two budget scenarios at tonight’s work session. The first scenario did not include salary increases for district staff. A second scenario included a 2 percent adjustment or step that would have eliminated an additional 41 FTE and resulted in an increased class size of 1.75 students; the board will not consider this scenario.
Reductions in class size comprise an important part of the district’s strategic plan. During the 2008-2009 school year, SPS reduced class size by 1.25 students at the high school level and 1.0 students at the elementary and middle school level.
A revised budget will be presented to the board at its May regular session meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 25. From there, the board will review the budget, ask for any further revisions and prepare for a first reading at its June study session.
A final budget must be approved by June 30. Budget information presented at the budget work session is available on The Bottom Line, the district’s financial information blog.
Read the full meeting agenda here.