Causes of Shortfall / What Will Get Cut

Why is the Volusia County school budget facing a shortfall of more than $19 million? Here are the reasons:

• Local tax revenues have been reduced
• The state funding formula (DCD) provides less to Volusia County than neighboring counties (for example, Volusia County receives .9593¢ on the dollar per student while Orange County receives over $1.0094 per student and Seminole receives $1.0000)
• Increased costs for items like utilities and health insurance
• Decreased student enrollment
• The new state requirement for a 3% "rainy day fund"
• Florida Lottery revenues, which were approved by voters to enhance education, are being used as replacement funds instead
• Base Student Allocation - this is the amount of money we receive per student. This year, that figure now includes things like transportation (buses), textbooks and teacher lead (classroom supplies). So, while legislators will say that MORE money is being given, they moved money from one pot to another
• Bottom line: Florida is historically underfunded in education. We rank an embarrassing 37th in per student funding so these latest cuts only make a bad situation worse

What Will Get Cut

Here is the list that the School Board is considering for cuts next school year (2009-2010). As they say, everything is being considered. This is why we need to keep fighting Tallahassee.

2009-2010 POTENTIAL BUDGET REDUCTIONS

Additional personnel cuts and personnel cost reductions – Eighty-three percent of the budget is for salaries and benefits. There will need to be some impact to positions and salary levels, however, class size ratios will not be adjusted.

Six period days for middle and high school – This option was removed from the list after a comprehensive cost and program analysis determined there would be no cost savings and it would have a significant negative impact on students' opportunities to take elective courses.

Four day student instructional week with longer school day – This would require a change to state statutes and has many issues that need to be addressed. It will not be a recommendation for the 2009-10 school year.

Review participation in acceleration programs for possible modifications (International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Early College, Advancement Via Individual Determination) – The cost factor used to fund these programs is proposed to be reduced by the Senate, which may require modification to the way these programs are delivered, but not elimination of the programs.

Review future small school closings/consolidations – There are no further plans to close schools for the 2009-10 school year. Burns-Oak Hill Elementary is scheduled to close at the end of this school year, Starke Elementary at the end of 2010-11 and Holly Hill Middle at the end of 2011-12.

Eliminate all but mandatory summer school programs (July 2009) – Those programs mandated will be offered, along with credit retrieval courses to be funded with remaining Supplemental Academic Instruction funds.

Eliminate athletic teams and cheerleading – In lieu of eliminating sports, the district is studying a "pay to play" fee for participation in athletics, as well as other student activities. A provision is being planned to allow students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals to participate if they cannot afford the fee.

Further reductions of teacher salary supplement budgets for extra duties – The supplements were reduced 10% this school year and further reductions may be necessary.

Additional reduction of district and school non-salary budgets – These budgets have been reduced several times over the last two years. District non-salary budgets will be reduced by another 3% and further reductions in school non-salary budgets may be necessary.

Expand district-wide mandatory facility closings (during holidays) – The district saves approximately $30,000 in utilities each day the district offices and schools are closed. Closings for winter break and spring will be considered.

More cuts to the Drivers Education program – The district offered Saturday, after-school and summer school drivers education this school year. The program will be offered again this summer and funded 100% through the Dori Slosberg Driver Education Trust Fund. Saturday and after-school programs will also continue to be offered next school year through this trust fund.