2008-2009 Budget Information
Budget Introduction from the Superintendent
February 6, 2008
Dear MSAD 15 School Board,
The 2008-2009 School Budget is the result of a process that began in November 2007 when the Finance Committee took a long, hard look at the needs of the school district and the on-going concerns of the public in this time of increased energy and living costs. Not only is the Finance Committee concerned about rising fixed costs, but the members are also aware that the 2008-2009 school budget contains a 3.74% increase due to the first payment on the $10 million Upgrade and Renovation Bond approved by the voters in 2005. Even though the Finance Committee hopes that undesignated balances from the 06-07 and 07-08 budgets can be used to reduce the assessment increase due to the first bond payment, they are concerned that the public may forget that past budget increases were kept as low as possible in preparation for this "one time budget increase bump" due to the bond. The Finance Committee asked administration to keep the budget increases that are separate from the bond repayment increase as low as possible.
Through diligence and teamwork, through reallocation of current resources and through elimination of some personnel, the administrative team accomplished this goal resulting in a 2.2% increase from the 07-08 school budget. This increase does not reflect the addition of any new personnel or programs recommended by the District Improvement Committee. The School Board and the communities will have to consider throughout the budget process what will be added to the 08-09 budget as well as what may have to be eliminated for the total budget increase. The total cost increase detailed in this first draft of the 2008-2009 school budget is 5.71%.
The involvement of community members with new program requests has been robust and rewarding to the members of the District Improvement Committee. It is encouraging to listen to public input regarding the development of the 2008-2009 school budget. The Activity Bus and the HOME program are two examples of excellent programs that advocates within the community would like funded. The discussion will continue throughout the next few months.
This proposed 08-09 budget is the beginning of compromises that will have to be made throughout the budget process. It may not please all constituents but it is focused on MSAD 15's Strategic Goals and its mission "to prepare all students for the next step." It is focused on student achievement and makes the maximum use of our resources. Administrators' cost centers outline how this budget funds the following:
- Balances the unique one year financial impact of the payment of the Upgrade and Renovation Bond
- Provides funds to equip newly renovated space due to the $10 million Upgrade and Renovation Bond
- Maintains current successful programs
- Maintains a reasonable class size
- Maintains a focus on instruction
- Builds teacher capacity
- Prepares students for diverse postsecondary paths
- Provides for the maintenance and capital maintenance of our buildings
- Continues to meet the goals of our transportation and technology plans
- Makes strategic use of our financial resources and reallocates as needed.
Sincerely,
Victoria A. Burns, Superintendent