(For the latest news and notes about Irvine Unified, visit the IUSD NewsFlash.)
Passage of Prop. 30 means no furlough days
The November election finally brought some clarity to IUSD’s budget outlook and gave rise to a little optimism in districts throughout the state.
Specifically, the passage of Proposition 30 prevented midyear “trigger cuts” at the state level by generating new revenue for schools and other programs, as California voters agreed to temporarily raise taxes for high-income earners while increasing the sales tax through 2016.
This won't mean a windfall of new funding for schools by any stretch, but it stopped Sacramento from leveling additional cuts in the middle of the current school year. It also means IUSD won’t need to consider furlough days for the current school year. Considering what this loss of instructional time would have meant for students and staff, this is considered a huge step in the right direction.
At its June 26 meeting, the IUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a spending plan for 2012-13. The budget outlines $214.6 million worth of expenditures – both restricted and unrestricted – against $207.6 million worth of total revenue. The difference of about $7 million will be offset by reserve set-asides, according to John Fogarty, assistant superintendent of Business Services.
Questions and answers. Have a specific budget question? Click on this link to access some frequently asked questions and answers about the state crisis and its impact on our district.
Basic Aid. Click on this link to access some questions and answers about IUSD's move into the "Basic Aid" funding model.
Categorical Flexibility. "Categorical funding" refers to state dollars that are tied to specific programs. The state recently granted a limited amount of categorical flexibility, meaning some of these dollars can be spent on other high-priority needs. For more information, click on the link above.
More budget information. Click on this link to access IUSD's Business Services page, which includes financial documents, the most recent adopted budget, information on facilities and more.
How to advocate for schools
1. Write a letter to the Governor, or contact your local Assembly member or Senator, urging the protection of education funding. For more information on legislative action, click here.
2. Write a letter to the editor of your favorite newspaper opposing cuts to education.
Irvine World News:
bmartinez@ocregister.com. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity, and those of less than 200 words will be given preference. All letters should include your name, neighborhood and a phone number, which will not be published.
Orange County Register: letters@ocregister.com or P.O. Box 11626, Santa Ana, CA 92711-1626. Letters will be edited for length, grammar and clarity, and those of about 200 words will be given preference. All letters must include a name and telephone number, which will not be published.
Los Angeles Times: ocletters@latimes.com or 202 W. 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90012. Please do not send group letters or attachments.
