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Superintendent Proposes First Steps to Address Unprecedented Budget Shortfall
Reno, NV (April 25, 2011) - Facing some of the most severe budget cuts in Washoe County School District history, Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison today announced his preliminary recommendations to begin addressing the budget gap. Morrison's proposals, which total about $35 million in reductions, are only the first round of cuts the District will need to make if the current budget outlook of a $75 million cut becomes a reality.
"We are heading towards the end of the regular legislative session and the projected budget shortfall has remained the same since the session began in February. Unless additional revenue becomes available or other factors arise that affect the budget, we must be ready to cut $75 million from the District in each of the next two fiscal years," Morrison said.
WCSD Board of Trustees President Barbara McLaury said it is difficult to hear about these proposals knowing what the impact will be to school district employees and the community's children. "The proposals announced today that total about $35 million will be extremely painful not only because of the loss of employees, but it will also change the way we are able to support our schools. It's tough to believe this could be just the beginning. Cutting $40 million more will be detrimental to the future of education in Washoe County."
In total, the superintendent's preliminary proposals cut $34.8 million from the District's budget, which impacts nearly 200 positions.
One of these proposals is a $7 million dollar reduction to Central Services and direct school support services, which will lead to a loss of approximately 85 positions and reductions in programs within the District. The proposal includes:
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Reducing central office administrators, mid-level managers and program coordinators
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Reducing secretarial positions and clerical aides
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Reducing staff that support schools
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Cuts to central service and school-based custodial staff
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Eliminating the SHARE program
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Deferring computer refurbishment
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Making reductions to middle school sports and reducing funding for after school swimming, golf and skiing
During the last round of budget cuts after the 2010 Special Legislative Session, WCSD cut $2.5 million from Central Services, which was the largest cut to Central Services in the District's history. Morrison's proposal this year is nearly three times last year's reduction.
Among his other recommendations, Morrison proposed maintaining the class size increases in grades 1-3 that the District implemented for the 2010-2011 school year and deferring the purchase of textbooks for another year. He also recommended using savings from health care negotiations and drawing down the District's contingency fund and fund balance.
"Our focus always has been to keep the direct impact of budget cuts away from our children. At the level of cuts we are discussing in the next two years and with increased class sizes and no new textbooks, this is simply not possible anymore. Larger class sizes pose significant problems for both our teachers and our students," Morrison said.
The superintendent discussed the impact of several other recommendations of his as well. "We have been responsible fiduciaries of taxpayer money, which allows us to use our contingency fund and fund balance to help fill the gap, but these decisions impact the financial health of the District. For example, the contingency fund is like our savings account and is used for unexpected events or emergencies."
Morrison continued, "Many of these recommendations will not be sustainable in the long run. They offer a one-time funding opportunity to fill the budget gap now, but if we face more cuts in the future, these options will not be available. Our only option will be to look at the classroom and programs that we know enhance student education."
While these proposals fill part of the expected budget shortfall, it leaves WCSD still searching for ways to potentially cut an additional $40 million.
WCSD is currently negotiating with employee associations and is working with Nevada lawmakers to advocate for the final state budget to maintain current funding levels.
"Depending on the outcome of those unknown factors, we may have to cut even deeper than what I recommended today. We will have to look at every position and every program. Nothing is off the table," Morrison said.
Board of Trustees Clerk Scott Kelley said, "We have not asked for additional funding because we know the economic condition of Nevada. We are excited about the direction WCSD is headed because it's a path that will help all of our children succeed in their future. But these cuts will impair future progress."
Morrison's proposals will be discussed further during WCSD Board of Trustees meetings in the upcoming weeks.
As the budget process continues, WCSD is hosting a series of five townhall meetings in May to provide updates and gather input from the community about the District's budget situation.
WCSD Budget Townhall Meetings
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Galena High School: Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m.
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Wooster High School: Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m.
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McQueen High School: Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m.
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Reed High School: Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
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Hug High School: Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Snapshot of Superintendent's Preliminary Budget Recommendations
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready. For more information visit www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
