IUSD Board to vote on budget reductions

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The IUSD Board of Education is expected to vote tonight on a number of budget reductions and adjustments to bridge a projected deficit of more than $20 million for the 2010-11 school year. Board members are also scheduled to approve the district’s Second Interim Report, reflecting IUSD’s ability to meet its financial obligations for the current year and two subsequent years. Assuming the Board closes the shortfall, that report will be certified as “positive." To view the list of staff-recommended budget reductions and adjustments, click here. The California budget crisis continues to grip the state's public schools, which have seen their revenues drop an average of $600 per student since 2007-08. As a result, IUSD recently announced its decision to reduce the current school year by four days, and employee groups have agreed to take eight additional furlough days in 2010-11. Furlough days translate into lost instructional time for students as well as reduced compensation for employees, yet they would generate nearly $8.6 million in total savings. While that represents a significant chunk of the 2010-11 deficit, it still leaves a sizable shortfall to be resolved by the Board and staff. Other staff-recommended proposals for closing the gap include increased class-sizes in grades one through three and nine; reductions at the District Office level; the reallocation of categorical dollars from programs that are now flexible as result of recent legislation; reduced nursing services; and the addition of one-time dollars. The Board of Education meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the District Office, 5050 Barranca Parkway. To access the agenda, click here. Update: IUSD NewsFlash will post an item at the conclusion of tonight's meeting. Check back with us to see how the board voted.