Despite passing the 2005-06 budget, Clarkston School board members raised concerns regarding future budget’s based on the already finely tuned voluntary cuts by district administration.
In particular, Vice-president Stephen Hyer voiced concerns that the 97 percent goal was unattainable. He thought a one percent savings was more realistic.
‘We’re going to do our best to save the carnage that occurs if we don’t,? said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts. ‘If it is over or short, board members will be notified each month,?
Since 2001, Clarkston School’s have worked towards saving at least 15 percent of their budget to open the buildings currently under construction. They succeeded in saving as much as 22.9 percent in 2004, which grew from a 5.3 percent fund equity in 2001, and is currently 12.6 percent of the budget at $9,940,453.
As the equity fund has decreased other departments have stepped up tighten their budgets, said Bruce Beamer, director or Business Services.
According to Anita Banach, Director of communications and marketing, all departments in Clarkston School’s control their own budget, She said that on top of budget cuts made by the board, each department set a goal for another 3 percent cut. These departments have succeeded in reducing an additional $543,500. This includes, but is not limited to, a delay in the purchase of some history books for one year as a ‘stop gap? measure for a savings of $88,120 and $80,000 for a police liaison that will be paid for by Independence Township.
‘We need to take away from big ticket items, eventually it will take away from program. We have done a good job of keeping it out of program,? said Banach. Program is curriculum based programs and teachers salaries.
‘The administrators are deeply aware of the need to come in under budget; we’ve done it over the last couple of years. Quite frankly, we’ve gotten quite creative over the years. While 97 percent is aggressive, we’re going for that brass ring,? said Roberts, ‘We really do understand the impact of compounding. The earlier you cut, the better.?
Taking into consideration these cuts, an expected $75,071,843 in revenues and $78,824,894 in expenditures’the district has a $3,753,51 deficit.
The $78,824,894 in expenditures includes a one’time start-up cost of $2.1 million for new construction. This money has been set aside by the board over the last three years in increments of $700,000 dollars, specifically for these openings
‘Two critical factors for Clarkston Schools for additional revenue source are state allocation up $7,122 from $6,947. This is the first increase Michigan schools have seen in three years,? said Bruce Beamer, director of business services, ‘Enrollment is projected at 8,010.?
The building and site budget remained the same, at $38,323,947 and most projects are expected to be complete by August.
Salaries remain the biggest part of the budget at $23,377, 955, which is a $2 million increase from 2005. This includes a 2 percent increase in base pay for teachers to $35,356.
‘We haven’t laid off a staff member in the years I’ve been here and it is my understanding it goes back about 20 years. We’d like to be in a position next year not to have to do that.
‘When people look at the stability of the patterns, it is how we get some excellent teachers who could be making more money in some neighboring districts,? said Dr. Roberts, ‘That’s one of the factors where we’re doing our best. If the state comes through with what they’ve promised we should be all right.?