Community members will have the opportunity in three upcoming sessions to learn more about and give feedback on the proposed preliminary Madison School District 2009-10 budget.
BUDGET FORUMS – (Brief budget overview with Questions)
Thursday, April 23, 6:00 p.m. at Memorial HS – Wisconsin Neighborhood Center
Tuesday, April 28, 6:00 p.m. at La Follette HS – Room C-17
PUBLIC HEARING – (Public Input)
Wednesday, May 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the Doyle Building’s auditorium, 545 W. Dayton St.
Superintendent Dan Nerad brought forward on April 13 the proposed $367 million budget for the Board to consider. The budget contains $3.9 million in reductions and efficiencies made necessary by state-imposed revenue caps.
Budget highlights and the complete proposed budget are available here or by going to www.mmsd.org and clicking on “2009-10 Budget”.
The Board of Education members, who bring forward and vote on changes to the proposal, could approve the preliminary budget anytime from May 11 to June. The new fiscal year starts on July 1.
The budget is not finalized until October after adjustments are made based on actual enrollment numbers and the final state budget.
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT:
Madison Metropolitan School District
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
comments@madison.k12.wi.us
Here’s Board President Arlene Silveira’s Info as well:
Last Fall when we went to the community with an operating referendum, we positioned it as a partnership plan. The projected budget gap for the 09-10 school year was $8M. We asked the community to support a referendum for $5M of this gap and committed to finding the additional $3M through looking at processes and efficiencies. I again want to thank the community for their overwhelming support of our referendum. IN the budget the presented to the Board this week, the Superintendent and his staff were able to find >$3M in cuts that maintains our district programs and services. It is very nice to start off with a budget that will allow us to focus on the future rather than focus on what has to be cut.
The proposed budget:
– maintains district programs and services as indicated during last fall’s referendum campaign.
– allows for a projected 2.5% growth in non-salary items.
– include salaries and benefits consistent with recent contract settlements.
– provides some funding related to the Math and Fine Arts Task Force recommendations and the anticipated new Strategic Plan.
– includes a projected tax lev increase of 4.12% – about half of which is as a result of the approved 2008 referendum.
– has a projected tax rate increase of $0.01. The impact for a $250,000 home is $2.50 in increased taxes.
– does not take into consideration any increase in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
– does not have to utilize $2M of savings in the 07-08 fund balance, as was projected in the lead up to the 2008 referendum.District Budget Reduction:
– The district was able to reducing the budget by $3.9M. There are a number of cuts made, which do not affect programs and services. 2 major changes are listed below. If you want detail son the other cuts, please let me know.
– SAVINGS of $912,914 = The Board made the decision last year to use some of the TIF funds from the City of Madison to pay off debt early in the 08-09 fiscal year.
– SAVINGS of $850,000 = under the direction of our new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, we looked at our yellow bus transportation costs and sent out RFPs. We are going to employee 2 carriers next year, instead of 4, resulting in substantial savings.Next steps:
– this budget is the budget recommended by the Superintendent
– opportunities for public feedback in the budget process:– APRIL 23, 6pm, Memorial High School: Public forum to learn about the budget
– APRIL 28, 6pm, La Follette High School: Public forum to learn about the budget
– MAY 6, 6pm, Doyle Administration Building: Public Hearing 09-10 budget
– MAY 6, 5pm, Doyle Administration Budget: Approval of 09-10 Budget by the Board of Education
– during this process, the Board is able to submit budget amendments.
I suspect there is an error in the last date listed above. Will correct it if I find out the right date.
