State reductions are not as severe as we initially thought. That said, we are still trying to determine how much our budget will be impacted by new unfunded mandates for employee health care and performance evaluations.

Based on our improved financial outlook, the school board did take action at their April 24 meeting to approve staffing middle schools with full-time librarians for the 2012/13 school year.  These positions had previously been cut to half-time as part of our budget reduction plan. Library services had been a high priority in this year’s community budget survey.

The final adoption of the budget will not occur until August 14, 2012 and that many revisions will be made prior to that date with an amendment to remove alternate day kindergarten from the list. (Please note:  This is the same proposed budget plan that was presented to the School Board, Jan. 12.)

This site will provide you with information related to the budgeting process.

Documents:

FY 2012/13 Budget (as of 04/24/12)
PowerPoint presentation presented to the Board at the 4/24/12 meeting.

FY 2012/13 Preliminary Budget Budget Summary (as of 04/24/12)

FY 2012/13 Finance Department Budget Proposal (as of 04/24/12)

Budget cut options (as of 01/01/12)
This list shows estimated savings and the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE’s) staff, which could potentially be affected by these cuts.

Board Budget Update presentation – study session (12/6/11)
Special study sessions and hearings to address the budget situation will be scheduled soon. The complete school board meeting schedule, along with agendas and minutes can be found on the School Board section of the website. These meetings are open to the public.

Community Budget Survey (added 01/11/12)
This is the phone survey of 300 Bethel residents that was conducted in December 2011.

Possible Budget Proposal Study Session (DRAFT as of 01/10/12)
Please keep in mind, this is only a proposal. This document was given to the Board for their consideration. Actual cuts/reductions may vary from this DRAFT.

The Board of Directors wants to hear your thoughts about the budget situation. You may contact them directly by email.

 

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