ResourcesAPS Superintendent Budget Update: 3/24/09
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APS Teammates:
I would like to provide an update on the current budget situation that we are facing, given cuts at the state level. At this point, the State has not changed the proposed APS funding cuts of $4.1 million over the next two years (this revenue lost is recurring money, not one time money). Even though this is not yet official, it appears the proposed cuts will be approved by the Colorado legislature.
The State has also released the official inflation rate (Consumer Price Index, CPI) of 3.9%, which is a significant factor in calculating new revenues for the district. If you add the Amendment 23 increase of 1%, that gives us new funds of 4.9%. If you subtract the $4.1 million (or about 2.2%) we will be left with around a 2.7% increase overall. Additionally, the CPI rate does not change the previously reported $600 million revenue shortfall the State was dealing with this year, and only increases the pressure for state leaders to balance the state budget prior to June 30. This revenue shortfall figure was adjusted upward to over $800 million last Friday by both the Office of State Planning and Budgeting and the Colorado Legislative Council. The most optimistic outlook for Colorado in these reports is that the recession will continue well into 2010.
Although we are still uncertain about the funding we will receive from both school finance at the state level, and stimulus funding from the federal government, please be assured that the leadership team is working hard to minimize impact on our classrooms. As we develop the 2009-10 budget, we are generating scenarios that keep our focus on improving student achievement and closing the gap among all student groups.
We are fortunate in APS. Because of our community support for our bond and mill levy last November, we will be able to weather limited resources and rescissions from the State while balancing our budget. Our goal for the remainder of this year and into next year is to maintain current staffing levels. However, depending on final revenue levels and enrollment in the fall, we may need to consider not filling vacancies as they naturally occur through retirements and resignations. To start with, we will not be filling one of the Student Achievement Director jobs that will be vacant next year, leaving only 3 Directors to cover all our schools.
In preparation for stimulus funds of approximately $17 million for the next 2 school years, we have formed two separate stimulus task forces. One will address additional Title I funds and the other will address Special Education IDEA B funds. Their goal will be to identify the most effective ways to use these short-term funds (one-time moneys, not recurring) to benefit our students. Although, not yet official, we believe APS will be receiving the stimulus money in July. The U.S. Education Department will be issuing detailed guidelines in the coming days and weeks outlining how and when stimulus money can be used.
As processes and allocation amounts become finalized, I will be keeping you informed of the progress.
Thank you for your support.
JB
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