|
|
Budget Crisis
December 6, 2002
To: All Staff
From: Terrance L. Smith, Chief of Staff
Today the Governor released an initial proposal to address the State of California's growing budget crisis. Current figures place the state's 2002-03 budget deficit at more than $10 billion and the 2003-04 budget deficit is projected to be more than $21 billion. In the Governor's proposals he has recommended a mid-year budget cut of $1.7 billion K-14 education. The Governor and the Legislature will be discussing these proposed budget cuts at a special session beginning on Monday, December 9. These cuts will have a significant impact on San Diego City Schools as they will on all school districts in the state.
In anticipation of the budget situation and potential cuts, district staff last spring began work to streamline operations and reduce spending for this current school year. This included the implementation of Administrative Directives this past summer.
This budget shortfall will have an effect on this school year. State budget deficits can and should be anticipated for the next several years. It is anticipated that this will result in program cuts and layoffs. We will continue to make the classroom our funding priority. While the state's actions are only proposals at this point, we are actively taking steps to reduce spending and introduce cost avoidance strategies for 2002-03 as well as in our development of the district's budget for the next school year, 2003-04.
The district is projecting in its First Interim Report to the Board of Education on December 10, the need to reduce the 2003-04 district budget by $38 million. This could be impacted by an additional tens of millions of dollars with anticipated state budget cuts for 2003-04.
Our pledge to you is to provide regular information as we learn it on the budget situation and its impact on our district. We will work together as a team to manage this situation.
<< Back to Budget Crisis page
|
|
