Teacher cutbacks possible in LVUSD

Teacher cutbacks possible in LVUSD By John Loesing Acorn Staff Writer

Faced with severe cutbacks in state spending, Las Virgenes Unified School District officials said they could cut $600,000 off this year’s budget, but warned that next year’s shortfall—that could run into the millions of dollars—will be far more difficult to meet.

LVUSD will immediately freeze all "non-essential" purchases and employee hiring, and put a cap on worker overtime, officials said.

The district has been locked in a series of budget debates trying to figure out how to meet the fiscal crisis. California public schools are bracing for what’s expected to be a $5 billion cutback in state funding over the next 18 months.

LVUSD expects that its budget will be whacked by about $2.5 million overall.

The $600,000 to $800,000 in cutbacks in the 2002-2003 budget represent phase one of the district’s effort to cope with losses of revenue from the state.

Phase two will determine whether or not the district will be forced to lay off teachers or other personnel, said Donald Zimring, LVUSD deputy superintendent.

"Any public school system faced with massive cuts must look to reducing the number of employees they have," Zimring said. But he added, "We are doing everything possible to avoid having to initiate any layoffs for the coming year."

Zimring said the state has allowed school districts to balance their books by taking funds from programs in the black and giving them to those that are in the red.

Economic Impact Aid, Special Education Transport,and Peer Assistance Review are examples of programs that cost more money to operate than they receive.

"Staff is recommending we batten down the hatches this year," Zimring said.

The district also plans to hold the line on new textbook and computer purchases.

"The actions we took will help us meet the budget cuts this year," said Terilyn Finders, board of education president. "We will have to meet the cuts that are inevitable for next year."

"These are very prudent steps at this point," said Pat Schulz, boardmember. "We have no other choice."

John Fitzpatrick, LVUSD superintendent, said the district’s conservative planning would help in the long run. The district also is considering a parcel tax to raise added revenue.

"Despite the severity of the situation, we are in better shape that many districts," Fitzpatrick said.

More information about the budget process and budget issues can be obtained from the school district’s Internet Website at www.lvusd.k12.ca.us.