School Budgets and School Days: No Answers Yet
With budgets in flux, it’s not known yet whether the 2010–11 school calendar might change
August 2010 — Congress in August passed federal legislation that is expected to provide states with funding aid to help keep educators on the job. In a year when the district already has trimmed staff and school days, this came as welcome news.
However, 4J's financial position is no better than it was back in June when the 2010–11 school calendar was set. The state is receiving funding from a federal education jobs bill, but is using it to offset a shortfall in state tax revenues. Thus, the amount of funding 4J expects to receive this year has not increased — and if state revenues continue dropping, further decreases in state school funding may be on the horizon.
It is expected to be some time before decisions are made regarding any changes to the 2010–11 school calendar. The district will inform families if the calendar changes.
Even after current year funding questions are resolved, serious financial challenges lie ahead. 4J is forecasting an operating deficit for 2011–12 in the range of $27 million to $38 million (about 19–25% of the district's operating budget) — a staggering amount after two years of substantial budget reductions.
The district is working to develop a sustainable budget that balances services with revenue, while keeping student learning at the center of our work and continuing to increase achievement for all students.