Trenton Public Schools Proposed Budget Shows Reduction in Fund Balance

The proposed Trenton Public Schools budget for the 2013-14 school year shows a reduction in the fund balance.

The proposed budget, presented to board of education members on March 25, listed estimated district expenditures at about $24.4 million and estimated revenue at about $23 million for 2013-14.

To balance the budget, officials recommended taking about $1.4 million out of the fund balance.

The projected fund balance would be reduced from about $2.5 million in June 2013 to about $1 million in June 2014.

Last year, the fund balanced was reduced by about $1 million.

District officials cited enrollment, retirements costs and state funding as assumed causes for the reduction in revenue.

To cut down on expenditures and avoid using fund balance dollars to balance the budget, officials recommended "finding additional efficiencies utilizing technology and innovative ideas" in the areas of transportation, energy and technology services.

Officials said additional possibilities for reduction in expenses include eliminating instructional classes, staff, transportation and athletics.

A public hearing on the adoption of the 2013-14 budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 10 at the Neil E. Van Riper Administration Building located at 2603 Charlton Road in Trenton.

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