Recap of Budget Workshop 11/15/2011-Part 1: The Budget

“Do we take the left arm or the right leg?”

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Executive staff provided the School Board with the survey and recommendations from the District Budget Committee.  This committee was made up of a cross section of representatives from all the various Citrus County School Departments as well as a representative from each of the Citrus County Schools.  (click here to see presentation and survey)

As a School Board we were asked by Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Ken Blocker, to provide them some direction regarding which specific items the committee recommended.   He also wanted to know which items the Board would preliminarily support and what we might not support of the committee recommendations. During the meeting I clarified that my opinion reflected only a snapshot of the information we had at that moment, and that several outstanding and pending issues could, and might, change my position.   Some of those issues are, but are not limited to, the Department of Education Testing Window Dates (a.k.a. School Calendar), the 2012 Legislative Session and the pending Florida Retirement System 3% contribution lawsuit.

We were presented with several suggestions and as a Board we went down the list providing feedback.  At this time I am not going to go down the list because it is still changing and being revised.  What I will say is that, with the exception of NOT going to a four day work week, we have to consider every cost saving measure presented.  The challenge is to make formative cutbacks while setting limits that will not have a negative effect in the classroom.  At this time it appears to be very difficult, and nearly impossible.

More will be shared and discussed over the coming weeks and months and I encourage you to contact any and all of us in the elected office about your concerns and how you may be affected by these changes.

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