While the state budget picture remains cloudy, IUSD is cautiously projecting positive ending balances through 2011-12, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Howell told the Board of Education this week. That means IUSD, which has cut nearly $38 million over two years, should not have to make additional reductions to file its First Interim Report with the preferred “positive” certification. (First Interim Reports are submitted to the Orange County Department of Education every fall. They essentially signal a district's financial health.) Still, Howell noted during Tuesday’s Budget Study Session that uncertainties remain in Sacramento, where legislators have yet to adopt a budget for the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, school districts throughout California are hoping for some relief via a federal jobs bill that was signed into law in August. Howell said key details of that allocation have yet to be announced, but it is believed IUSD’s share will be approximately $5 million. Tuesday’s budget session was followed by a regular meeting of the Board of Education. To read a recap, click here.
