Deciding $13 million in budget cuts is too deep, Clarkston Schools are opening its savings account.
‘We are relaxing the zero deficit parameter,? said Steve Hyer, president of Clarkston Board of Education during the board’s special meeting on March 15.
The board voted unanimously to have a $2.7 million deficit for the 2011 fiscal year.
The zero-deficit plan called for $13 million in cuts. Reflecting the new plan, administration revised its list of budget reduction down to 119 items, cutting $8.1 million-$9.7 million.
‘We have the difficult task of determining what is the right number ? we don’t want to cut too deeply and get rid of any needed programs or support for our kids,? said Hyer. ‘But we don’t want to not cut deep enough. There is no magic number.?
Secretary Cheryl McGinnis and Trustee Barry Bomier favored up to $10 million in cuts.
Trustee Rosalie Lieblang leaned more towards $9 million.
‘My concern is not having enough information,? Lieblang said. ‘These decision will impact our children’s education, our employees lives and our entire community. I believe I owe it to every person in this district and this community to thoroughly understand our financial situation and analyze the options before making decisions.?
Trustee Joan Patterson also said she wanted to wait for more information.
‘We might have an increase in expenses,? she pointed out. ‘Some of my concerns are the unknowns we haven’t seen. I don’t want to be surprised. Because I don’t have the information, it makes me a little more cautious.?
Hyer said some numbers can be off, especially if their estimated $266 per pupil funding is cut further or transportation and custodial services agree to concessions.
‘Since the last meeting, we are working with our employee groups. By the next meeting, we will have an answer,? said Superintendent Dr. Albert Roberts.
Vice-President Susan Boatman favored making the deficit as low as possible to preserve the district’s $6.3 million fund balance.
Also, she agreed cutting more this year would mean fewer cuts next year.
The board plans to vote on the reduction package during the next board meeting on March 22.
Dr. Roberts, Hyer and Boatman worked out ground rules for Monday’s budget meeting..
During the meeting, any board member can make a motion to remove individual items from the list of 119 cuts, either permanently or for further discussion.
Another board member must second the motion and the entire board will vote on removing it from the list.
After the removal process, the board will vote on the original motion to adopt the entire budget reduction package.
‘The administration believes these can be cut without changing education,? said Boatman. ‘You must believe the item being removed is in the best interest of the district.?
The board will hold a public hearing before the meeting at 6 p.m. and begin their scheduled meeting at 7 p.m.
Both are held at the Performing Arts Center at Clarkston High School, 6093 Flemings Lake Road.