School Board To Finalize Budget Cuts

The Burlingame School District Board of Trustees tonight should decide what programs to cut for the 2011-12 school year to reduce spending by $800,000.

Members approved nine reductions at the board's April 26 meeting.  They decided to discontinue the Kohl Mansion music program; cancel the August 19 staff development day; replace the substitute teacher caller with an automated system; reduce site budgets from $35 per student to $30 per student; discontinue staff development throughout the school year; change the all-call system; and eliminate one custodian position, one technical department position and the family life instructor.

Together, these cuts account for $247,150 in savings.

The district is depending on community education groups to fill the budget shortfall. The Burlingame Community for Education Foundation plans to donate $300,000, and the Game On campaign plans to contribute $200,000.

That leaves $52,850 to be reduced from the budget. The board has been mulling over a list of potential cuts for months and is asked to make final reduction decisions tonight before the 2011-12 budget adoption on June 14.

Board members will also revisit previously set staffing maximums at , and elementary schools, the inter-district open enrollment policy and the implementation of a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program during the 2011-12 school year instead of a GATE summer program.

For the full agenda of tonight’s meeting, click here.