Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Our schools are facing the unavoidable dismantling of successful and effective practices, which support student achievement.

The improved ability of the local community to provide funding, according to the state*, has resulted in a decrease in state revenue.

The budget crisis was created by the downturn in the economy, an insufficient local tax base to support a growing community, and dramatic increases in health insurance and retirement costs.

By submitting a balanced general fund budget for 2010-11, the school system is making  cuts totaling $9.4 million. The cuts come from:

• $4.4 million in personnel-related costs, including abolishing 34.6 positions, the reallocation of federal dollars to fund 3.9 positions, and the cessation or abbreviation of student support programs and initiatives.
• $5 million in non-personnel-related costs, which includes textbooks, instructional materials, technology, supplies, training and equipment.

An additional $6.9 million will remain unfunded as follows:

• $4.9 million of prior year budget cuts in textbooks and technology
• $2 million for other district needs to address growth and viability

All total, CMCSS is reducing its budget request by $16.3 million.

See pdf attachments for details on proposed revenue, expenditures, cuts, unfunded needs and request for additional funding.

• Changes From 2009-2010 Budget
• Budget Cuts To Address Forecasted Revenue Shortfall
• 2010-11 Budget Cuts (details)
• 2010-11 Unfunded Needs
• Request for Additional Funding

*Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations