Nothing’s off the table when it comes to this year’s school budget.
Still early in the budget process, Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts presented a list of possible money-saving measures to Clarkston Board of Education at its Jan. 26 budget workshop. The board will consider them all.
“I wouldn’t pull anything off the table at this time,” said board President Stephen Hyer.
Possibilities, which Roberts emphasised are not recommendations, include:
? Contract out substitute teachers;
? Postpone technological upgrades;
? Delay textbook updates;
? Change to three-tier busing, adjusting school schedules to allow fewer buses;
? Eliminate field trips;
? Fewer extracurricular programs;
? Cut costs in support services, transportation, custodian, fiscal, and other non-instructional services; and
? Delay construction needs.
Budget challenges include rising personel costs of $2 million a year for contracted pay raises and step increases, with no state funding increases expected. Worst-case scenario calls for $2.7 million in cuts out of the district’s budget of about $82 million, Roberts said.
“We’re going to make this work ? we have a track record of making it work,” he said.
The board should also consider expanding student enrollment to surrounding areas, said Treasurer Joe Armstrong.
“Getting more students is one of the best ways to increase revenue,” he said. “Open enrollment is a scary term, but there are a lot of good students out there.”
Budget parameters include about $1.6 million in cuts, two percent of the budget; no change in enrollment of 8,146 students; no change in state funding; and 10 percent or higher fund equity.
“Together we can find a solution to these latest challenges, but our emphasis will need to be placed on innovation, creativity, and planned change,” Roberts said. “Despite our past successes, doing more of the same is a recipe for failure.”
Clarkston Board of Education meets second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 p.m., at the school Administration Building, 6389 Clarkston Road. For more information, call 248-623-5400.