Post by macrockett on Apr 9, 2010 13:32:26 GMT -6
IPSD News
Frequently Asked Budget Questions
Reported by janet_buglio@ipsd.org on 4/7/10
Q. What caused next year’s funding shortfall?
A. The district receives 16 percent of its funding from the state, which is facing its own $13 billion deficit. To fill its own budget gap, the state is proposing reducing the funding level to school districts by $450 per student and an additional reduction in categorical funding for programs such as special education. This means the district will receive $18.2 million less in state funds next year. The change in state funding has impacted districts across the state to varying degrees. What about the original $9 million deficit? Did we forget about that?
Q. Would returning to half-day kindergarten help cover the funding shortfall?
A. No. Even with a significant decrease in state funding expected next year, the additional state funds that District 204 receives for offering full day kindergarten more than covers the cost of the program. In addition, the program greatly benefits our students.
Q. If we hadn’t built Metea Valley High School would we have been able to use those funds to cover the funding shortfall?
A. No. Metea Valley was funded through a building referendum. No, MVHS funding of $144 million included $124million by referendum and $20 million by other source (including approximately $17million from interest income from issuing the referendum bonds far in advance of need + premiums resulting from issuing the bonds at higher than market rates) By law, building funds can not be used toward operating expenses.
In addition, Metea Valley's on-going costs were funded though a number of district-wide cost saving initiatives. These cost saving measures not only covered the cost of operating Metea Valley, but have also allowed us to run a small budget surplus this year. Could we see some detail here?
It is also important to note that District 204's high school enrollment has increased by 1,200 students since the voters approved construction of Metea Valley. Another 250 high school students are anticipated next year alone bringing the total number of high school students in our district to 9,180 and growing. And are any of those are off-site? Meaning they don't attend the three HSs? Lets cute to the chase here. What will peak HS enrollment be and when?
Q. Will my child's class size increase next year?
A. It depends. At the elementary level, the maximum class size is proposed to increase from 29 to 31 for grades 2 though 5. While many will retain their current number of sections and class sizes, some will experience an increase.
For example, a school with 150 third graders today would have 6 sections of 25 students because 5 sections would result in exceeding the maximum class size (150 divided by 5 = 30, which exceeds this year’s maximum of 29). Next year, 5 sections of 30 students would be below the maximum of 31 students.
At the middle and high school level, the average class size is proposed to increase by two.
We believe our outstanding teachers will still provide solid educational opportunities and students will continue to succeed in their larger classes.
Q. How will the budget reductions impact music next year?
A. Taking into consideration community feedback, and through collaboration with music staff, the administration has revised its initial proposal. The revised proposal calls for reducing the fifth grade instrumental program and increasing the average class size for middle school technique instruction. In addition, a $30 fee is proposed for students who play an instrument in grades 6 through 12.
The proposed fifth-grade instrumental program will include a 2 to 3 week introduction in the second quarter, in time for sixth-grade registration. In addition, students will receive weekly technique instruction during the 4th quarter and will have the option to continue technique and full ensemble instruction during a fee-based summer camp.
All other components of the district’s elementary, middle and high school music programs remain the same.
Q. How will budget reductions impact extra-curriculars next year?
A. The public has shared that they place a high level of importance on extra-curricular activities and would be willing to increase fees as a means to save as many of these programs as possible. While there will be some reductions in next year’s extra-curricular offerings, most of the programs will be preserved through an increase in extra-curricular fees.
Specifically, extra-curricular fees will increase from $50 to $100 for middle school and from $80 to $160 for high school. It is important to note that no student will be denied the opportunity to participate. Waivers will be available for families who may be experiencing financial hardship.
Q. Will other fees increase next year?
A. Yes. The administration is proposing small increases in the technology and the general registration fees. In addition, the driver’s education fee is proposed to increase to closer align with the cost of providing that service.
In total, less than 5 percent of the total $21.4 million budget reduction plan is achieved through increases in student fees.
More information on the district's proposed budget, including the presentation from the March 22 meeting, is online at. 2010-11 Budget Information
Frequently Asked Budget Questions
Reported by janet_buglio@ipsd.org on 4/7/10
Q. What caused next year’s funding shortfall?
A. The district receives 16 percent of its funding from the state, which is facing its own $13 billion deficit. To fill its own budget gap, the state is proposing reducing the funding level to school districts by $450 per student and an additional reduction in categorical funding for programs such as special education. This means the district will receive $18.2 million less in state funds next year. The change in state funding has impacted districts across the state to varying degrees. What about the original $9 million deficit? Did we forget about that?
Q. Would returning to half-day kindergarten help cover the funding shortfall?
A. No. Even with a significant decrease in state funding expected next year, the additional state funds that District 204 receives for offering full day kindergarten more than covers the cost of the program. In addition, the program greatly benefits our students.
Q. If we hadn’t built Metea Valley High School would we have been able to use those funds to cover the funding shortfall?
A. No. Metea Valley was funded through a building referendum. No, MVHS funding of $144 million included $124million by referendum and $20 million by other source (including approximately $17million from interest income from issuing the referendum bonds far in advance of need + premiums resulting from issuing the bonds at higher than market rates) By law, building funds can not be used toward operating expenses.
In addition, Metea Valley's on-going costs were funded though a number of district-wide cost saving initiatives. These cost saving measures not only covered the cost of operating Metea Valley, but have also allowed us to run a small budget surplus this year. Could we see some detail here?
It is also important to note that District 204's high school enrollment has increased by 1,200 students since the voters approved construction of Metea Valley. Another 250 high school students are anticipated next year alone bringing the total number of high school students in our district to 9,180 and growing. And are any of those are off-site? Meaning they don't attend the three HSs? Lets cute to the chase here. What will peak HS enrollment be and when?
Q. Will my child's class size increase next year?
A. It depends. At the elementary level, the maximum class size is proposed to increase from 29 to 31 for grades 2 though 5. While many will retain their current number of sections and class sizes, some will experience an increase.
For example, a school with 150 third graders today would have 6 sections of 25 students because 5 sections would result in exceeding the maximum class size (150 divided by 5 = 30, which exceeds this year’s maximum of 29). Next year, 5 sections of 30 students would be below the maximum of 31 students.
At the middle and high school level, the average class size is proposed to increase by two.
We believe our outstanding teachers will still provide solid educational opportunities and students will continue to succeed in their larger classes.
Q. How will the budget reductions impact music next year?
A. Taking into consideration community feedback, and through collaboration with music staff, the administration has revised its initial proposal. The revised proposal calls for reducing the fifth grade instrumental program and increasing the average class size for middle school technique instruction. In addition, a $30 fee is proposed for students who play an instrument in grades 6 through 12.
The proposed fifth-grade instrumental program will include a 2 to 3 week introduction in the second quarter, in time for sixth-grade registration. In addition, students will receive weekly technique instruction during the 4th quarter and will have the option to continue technique and full ensemble instruction during a fee-based summer camp.
All other components of the district’s elementary, middle and high school music programs remain the same.
Q. How will budget reductions impact extra-curriculars next year?
A. The public has shared that they place a high level of importance on extra-curricular activities and would be willing to increase fees as a means to save as many of these programs as possible. While there will be some reductions in next year’s extra-curricular offerings, most of the programs will be preserved through an increase in extra-curricular fees.
Specifically, extra-curricular fees will increase from $50 to $100 for middle school and from $80 to $160 for high school. It is important to note that no student will be denied the opportunity to participate. Waivers will be available for families who may be experiencing financial hardship.
Q. Will other fees increase next year?
A. Yes. The administration is proposing small increases in the technology and the general registration fees. In addition, the driver’s education fee is proposed to increase to closer align with the cost of providing that service.
In total, less than 5 percent of the total $21.4 million budget reduction plan is achieved through increases in student fees.
More information on the district's proposed budget, including the presentation from the March 22 meeting, is online at. 2010-11 Budget Information
