Sumner School District Hosts Community Budget Forums for 2011-2012 School Year

The Sumner School District is hosting a pair of community budget forums next week to provide residents a chance to give their input on the 2011-2012 district budget.

At the meetings, members of the district Budget Development Team will share information about budget planning for the 2011-12 school year and discuss proposed changes in programs or services that may be the result of reductions in state and federal funding.

The forums are set for 6 p.m. today Monday, April 25 at the Sumner High School Commons, 1707 Main St., Sumner and 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 at the Mountain View Middle School Commons, 10921 199th Ave. Ct. E. in Bonney Lake.

For more information visit http://www.sumner.wednet.edu/arounddistrict/pages/budgetfinance.html

Message from the Superintendent

In December during a special session of the Washington State Legislature, a plan was approved to reduce the state's deficit. The K-12 Education budget was cut severely, and there are more cuts in state funding to come which will further reduce our revenue.

When the US Congress passed Edujobs legislation, it provided Washington state with $208 million to create new jobs in K-12 education in the 2010-11 school year. The Legislature has reduced the K-12 Education Budget by $208 million. While the District will receive federal Edujobs funding of approximately $1.6 million, our state apportionment dollars will be reduced by $1.6 million.

Another $40 million in reductions to the K-12 Education budget will impact K-4 funding intended to limit class size. In our District the impact is just under $632,000. The state has reduced our District funding for the current year in several other areas such as LEA and highly capable, totaling $63,000.

A mid-year adjustment to the District budget to mitigate the immediate loss of revenue is under development. Currently the work includes a review of enrollment revenue, reductions in Central Office department budgets, a reduction to the transportation fuel budget, and reduced staffing in Business Services. Work continues to identify another $378,000 in savings for the current year.

Student learning is our work and we will maintain our tradition of excellence, providing a quality education for all students. Together, we will develop a budget that supports our mission and core values. We will keep student learning as our focus as we make decisions. We will continue to provide you with information, knowing there is a long and difficult task ahead.

Respectfully,
gil