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Governor Davis has finally signed the budget bill (SB X1-18) that has
a significant impact on education. The legislation cuts $2.22 billion
in current-year funding for kindergarten through 12th grade.
Now, if you are one of those weak-hearted souls and don’t want the details
because you are ready to pull your hair out when you see numbers, go to
the end of this column for the summary.
Here is a comparison of what the governor suggested and what was signed:
The governor proposed an across the board cut of 2.15 percent and a 10.8
percent cut in categorical, or specific, funding. Senate Bill X1 -18 did
not include this cut. The other proposal by the governor was $781 million
in cuts / shifts and savings; the legislation put $970.6 million in this
category.
The reductions through SB X1-18 include a $1.1 billion deferral in payments
to school districts from June to July; $122 million in mandated cost payments
to school districts; $103 million in instructional materials block grants;
$21.8 million in Peer Assistance and Review program; $11.6 million in
school library materials; $76 million in grants for under-performing schools
and high priority schools; and $8.1 million in the suspension of Golden
State Exams and Assessments in Career Education.
The 2002-03 budget cuts are not catastrophic, however there are some reductions
in funding. The most significant reductions affecting Madera County school
districts are as follows:
—June Apportionment deferral - this could result in cash flow problems
for some districts but both Yosemite and Coarsegold school districts are
okay due to our cash reserves.
—School Improvement Program (SIP) deferral
—Transportation deferral
—Instructional Materials Block Grant, 25.75 percent reduction in funding
to $47.75 per Average Daily Attend-ance (ADA).
—Peer Assistance and Review program, 25 percent reduction in funding.
—School Library Materials program, 33 percent reduction in funding to
$3.43 per student
Our best guess at this point in time is a 2.15 percent revenue limit reduction
and 12 percent categorical reduction. Medical insurance is going up by
20 percent, so will Workers Compensation.
The impact from the above will result in estimated deficit spending for
the next two years. But, compared to many other districts we are better
off due to our tight fiscal management. We will continue to weather this
storm, and we will keep our ships afloat!
Summary: Translated into plain English, the financial impact for this
year is estimated at $250,000 for YJUHSD and $150,000 for CUSD in cuts
or deferrals. We expect to fall short by the same amount or more next
year for both districts.
School
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