New budget leaves local schools wanting more

The California Department of Finance reports that although state revenues are up 4.4 percent, expenditures have risen more than 8 percent, dampening hopes that the state's proposed new budget will provide relief for public schools.

Deputy Superintendent Donald Zimring reported recently to the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) Board of Education that after three years of budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a "significant expansion" of statewide programs. But Zimring warned that a "structural imbalance" still exists in the state budget and it could get worse.

Zimring's report outlined the governor's most recent proposal, including an increase in Prop. 98 spending of $1.6 billion. Prop. 98 is the constitutional funding guarantee for California's public schools.

The new budget, however, fails to recoup the money that school districts lost when the governor suspended Prop. 98 to make up for California's staggering budget deficit. The statewide loss in school revenues is estimated at $3.2 billion and is subject to a lawsuit by school districts throughout the state.

As for a cost of living raise for teachers, the governor has proposed the highest salary increase in 15 years-between 5.18 and 5.8 percent. He also proposed new funding for music, art and physical education.

The governor's proposal could bring an approximate $4 million boost to LVUSD coffers, but Zimring warned that the district's financial obligations already total $2.8 million.

The district hopes to restore its cash reserves to 3.5 percent (of the budget) at a cost of $450,000.

District Superintendent Sandra Smyser said she expects the reserves will be restored by July.

Zimring estimated that a decline in student enrollment will cost the school district $416,000.

Smyser said legislators are trying to find ways to "soften the landing" for declining school enrollment-half the school districts in California are suffering from declining enrollment-but the cost is said to be prohibitive.

Special education increases were pegged at $350,000 and worker's compensation is expected to rise again and cost an additional $250,000. Another $1.6 million is needed for the replacement of funds tapped during the budget crisis and other cost increases.

Zimring said much of the governor's projected revenue isn't guaranteed. Some of the funds are pledged to city and county governments, while some of the money in the budget relies on federal grants.

Although Schwarzenegger renewed his support for public education after his initiatives were defeated in last November's election, finding the funds will be difficult. The proposed budget puts the state about $5 billion in the red.

The state law requires that the budget be completed by July 1, but Zimring said California politicians have only met the deadline twice in the last 15 years.