TUSD focuses on the classroom and what is best for students

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Chyrl Lander, (520) 225-6437, chyrl.lander@tusd1.org
Posted on: May 15, 2009

Recently, all Tucson Unified School District schools submitted their budget proposals representing a reduction of 10 percent and 18 percent from existing school formulas. School leadership, staff and community site council members focused their priorities on the classroom and the academic achievement of all students in their schools. After review of the schools' 18 percent budget reductions, it is clear that not all basic needs could be met. In trying to meet the 18 percent reduction, schools have submitted budgets that would result in large class sizes, without supplies, playground monitors, and library staff. Some have proposed eliminating full-day kindergarten.

We still do not have final K-12 education budget reductions from the state capitol. Nevertheless, we must allow our schools to plan for the opening of the 2010 school year in spite of the fact that we might not know the final state budget by then. TUSD is committed to allocating as much money as possible to our school sites.

Central administration has made FY 2010 reductions in excess of $5 million (on top of 2009 reductions of more than $4 million), and continues to identify additional central spending cuts. In addition, effective claims management has resulted in a projected decrease in Worker's Compensation and Liability Insurance costs for FY 2010. These efforts have contributed to a projected $4 million carry forward. The decision has been made to re-direct these monies immediately back to the schools to improve their worst case scenarios.

TUSD is now advising schools that they may plan on a worst case scenario reduction of 16 percent – down from the 18 percent worst case scenario. The news from the state of Arizona is still worsening, and the K-12 budget reductions are still expected in the $45 million range but TUSD efforts have paid off in saving money in the current year and realizing administrative reductions to help offset the huge funding decreases expected in FY 2010.

Unfortunately, though only a little bit improved, it is very probable that schools may have to open at this 16 percent reduction scenario.