Edina Public Schools Budget 2009-2010
Edina Public Schools Budget Information
Links
Overview
Final 2009-2010 projections
(approved by the Board on June 22)
The process:
The links listed below reflect the five-month process used to determine the 2009-2010 budget.The budget was recently approved at the June 22 School Board meeting.
2009-2010 budget projection
District’s budget and staffing plans to be finalized June 22
Edina Public Schools approves 2009-2010 budget reductionsFeedback from Community Budget Dialogue
The process and decision makers
BRRRG
Feedback
Read budget reduction and revenue generation suggestions
Timeline
Budget FAQ
Questions
Overview
As our District plans for the 2009-2010 school year and beyond, we are faced with significant financial challenges as a result of the economic recession. With this change comes an opportunity to actively pursue the District’s vision of enhancing successful, innovative and personalized learning for all students.This educational vision will steer our planning efforts as we seek creative solutions to maximize our available financial resources.
We will continue to advance our educational mission and implement our strategic plan. Expanding personalized learning is a major initiative of the plan. Over the next few months, the District will develop school improvement goals for the 2009-2010 school year. A key to the planning process is to have the District align its financial and staffing resources with its mission and annual improvement goals.
More Information
Budget Approved for 2009-2010 School Year
At its June 22 meeting, the School Board approved the 2009-2010 general fund budget. Due to funding challenges, the District was required to make $1.6 million of adjustments and reductions in the $72.664 million budget. District leadership developed the budget to minimize class size increases and reductions in educational programs. A summary of the budget cuts is listed below.
BRRRG Summary: Final 2009-2010 Reductions |
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BRRRG Items |
Target Amounts | Personnel Impact | Background and Impact | ||||
Reduce administrative services and budget expenses |
$208,000 |
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Reduce training/travel, legal, property insurance, and modify services. |
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Reduce administrative support position |
$50,000 |
1.0 D.O. |
Realign and reassign responsibilities given the reduction in position. |
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Increase building fee by 5% |
$20,000 |
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The increase keeps Edina within comparables to other districts. Pursue a student fall and winter admissions pass. |
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Increase activity admission fees |
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The increase keeps Edina within comparables to other districts. Pursue a student fall and winter admissions pass. |
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Reduce contracted services with ISD 287 |
$30,000 |
Edina teachers complete instruction. Efficient use of funding. Possible limit on expertise. |
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Reduce teacher overload assignments |
$100,000 |
Reassign teacher duties. No impact to students. |
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Eliminate district Copy Center |
$75,000 |
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Reduce Curriculum Resource |
$15,000 |
Reduce curriculum support programs (i.e., BRAVO, Art Masterpiece, speakers) while expanding volunteering. Requires restructuring of program. |
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| Reduce bus garage employee | $40,000 | 1.0 Maint. | Reduction of services | ||||
| Reduce custodial positions | $120,000 | 3.0 Custodian | Reduce and reassign responsibilities. Reduction of .5 at elementary schools. | ||||
| Reduce teacher on special assignment (TOSA) positions | $67,500 |
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Reduce and restructure responsibilities of various TOSAs in schools. Limits support services to teachers and students. | ||||
| Reduce extended teacher contracts | $25,000 | Reduce extended contract days for select teaching positions. Limit teacher services in the summer. | |||||
| Reduce paras at schools | $340,000 |
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support services to students and requires special support services to students and requires special education students to be clustered. | ||||
| Reduce media assistant support by 20% | $63,000 | 1.8 Clerical | Reduce and reassign responsibilities. Limits support services in media. | ||||
Reduce and restructure secondary activities program |
$30,000 | Reduce and rework assignments. Examine delivery through community education services. Minimize impact to student access to beyond-the-school-day activities. Pursue fee structure program for Math Olympiad. | |||||
| Reduce social worker | $55,000 | 1.0 Soc Wkr | Reduce and reassign responsibilities. Limits support services to students. |
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| Reduce administrative expenditures - Consultants, training and line items | $48,000 | Reduce training and services. Limits services and requires restructure. | |||||
| Reduce support staff position | $35,000 | .7 Clerical | Realign and reassign responsibilities. Limits services and requires restructure. | ||||
| Reduce teacher leadership stipends | $15,000 | Reassign leadership duties and school site leadership structure. Seek additional input from school site leadership on funding revisions (area leaders). | |||||
| Reduce teacher compensatory days | $15,000 | Reduce the approved teacher comp days throughout the district, including elementary early conference days. | |||||
| Reduce teacher compensatory days | $15,000 | Reduce the approved teacher comp days throughout the district, including elementary early conference days. | |||||
| Reduce security officers | $15,000 | .5 Position | Reassign security duties and add additional security cameras at schools (one-time expenditure). | ||||
| Reduce special education position | $9,000 | .3 Teacher | Reduce occupational therapist position and reassign responsibilities. | ||||
Reduce elementary Spanish program (Eliminate in grade 2; provide in grade 3 for 2009-2010; continue to provide in grades 4 and 5). Reduce Normandale English teacher (modify services). |
$82,500 | 1.5 Teachers | Eliminate Spanish instruction in grade 2. Reduce Normandale English teacher to align with elementary class size guidelines. Work with world language teachers |
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| Increase secondary class size by 1. | $127,500 | 2.2 Teachers |
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| TOTAL | $1,610,500 | ||||||
The process:
The information listed below reflects the five-month process used to determine the 2009-2010 budget.The budget was recently approved at the June 22 School Board meeting.
2009-2010 budget projection
District moves forward with planning despite unknowns
Edina Public Schools is projecting a $1.75-$2.6 million funding shortfall for the 2009-2010 school year – or between 2.4 and 3.5 percent of the K-12 programming and services budget. As we plan for the upcoming school year, we remain committed to addressing the financial challenges that face our District. To remedy this shortfall, the District will make budget reductions and implement systems that generate new revenues.
While we have a process and a timeline in place, numerous funding variables remain unknown including the state's student funding formula and the recently approved Federal Stimulus Package. Embedded in our budget framework is a commitment to transparency. The District will continue to keep the public informed on the progress of the budget development and possible budget reductions in the weeks ahead.
District’s budget and staffing plans to be finalized June 22
The Edina School Board met in a workshop session on May 19, 2009 prior to a regularly scheduled meeting. The Board and administration discussed the 2009-2010 budget and staffing plans. The completion of the 2009 Minnesota legislative session is providing Edina Public Schools with needed direction on the school funding formula. This formula, which guides our revenue projections, will not increase over the next two years. The information falls within the administration's budget and staffing projected range.
The administration is continuing to assess the results of the approved legislation
and its impact on the District’s budget if the governor “unallots” school district funds or delays payments to districts in order to meet state budget requirements. “Overall, we are satisfied with the legislative session, given the challenging financial conditions in the state," said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “I feel Edina Public Schools is positioned to develop a budget and staffing plan that will ensure a successful 2009-2010 school year for our students.”
The School Board provided budget planning input and direction to the administration. The Board will likely be required to act on the vast majority of the previously approved $2.3 million in reductions. The reductions were approved in April. As part of the Reduction, Reallocation and Revenue Generation (BRRRG) process, the District received input and guidance from a 48-member Budget Advisory Team, comprised of staff, community members and parents.
The administration is developing a budget and staffing direction that will maximize the funding resources available to the District over the next two years. “Through careful planning, we are working to ensure that the identified reductions will be sustainable for the next two years,” said Dressen.
The School Board will continue its budget and staffing discussions at a workshop session scheduled for June 15 at 5:00 p.m. The administration will provide additional data related to the legislative session, the available federal stimulus funds and the District’s proposed major educational initiatives. The School Board will approve the budget and staffing plan at the June 22 meeting held at the Edina Community Center in room 349 at 7:00 pm.
Edina Public Schools approves 2009-2010 budget reductions
On April 27, the School Board met in a special session to approve the 2009-2010 budget reductions for Edina Public Schools. The School Board approved $2,254,500 in reductions in order to meet the projected funding shortfall for the upcoming school year. The reduction proposal was developed by the administration after three months of discussion and input from members of the community, staff, administration and School Board. “This has been a challenging process for the District,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. "We have sought to minimize the impact to class sizes and educational program and services. However, you cannot cut almost 3% of your expenditures without impacting student learning.”
A final determination on the reductions will not be made until the School Board approves the 2009-2010 budget in June. The School Board and administration will continue studying and assessing the budget plans during May. Given the economic challenges, Dressen expects the District to complete ongoing budget assessments and adjustments throughout the upcoming school year.
In shaping the proposal, the District relied heavily on input from the Budget Advisory Team, which consisted of 48 community and staff members. Substantial input was also received from community and staff via the Web and at meetings that were held over the past months. The District is continuing to monitor the many variables of the budgeting process, including the outcome of the 2009 Minnesota legislative session
The District is using a tiered approach to organize its budget recommendations. The first tier accounts for $1 million and involves reductions or modifications to administrative and support service functions. If the deficit expands beyond the first tier, the District will employ the second tier recommendations, which identifies an additional $1 million. These recommendations include, among other items, increasing class size by one student in grades six through 12 and modifications to educational program and services. It is not yet known how severe the deficit will be; however, the current proposal enables the District to be responsive to changes in funding – either favorable or unfavorable. If additional reductions are deemed necessary, the District will present tier V at a later date. However, we remain hopeful that this list will be more than sufficient and will not have to be fully used.
District receives feedback from Community Budget Dialogue
Over 40 community and staff members attended the District’s Community Budget Dialogue held on April 16. The audience heard an overview of the 2009-2010 Edina Public Schools budget and staffing plans and provided input to the administration regarding the proposed budget reductions. Sen. Geoff Michel, Rep. Keith Downey and Rep. Paul Rosenthal also attended and shared an update on the progress of the 2009 legislative session.
Input gathered from the Community Budget Dialogue has been integrated into the Budget Reduction, Reallocation and Revenue Generation (BRRRG) proposal, which was presented for action at a special School Board meeting on Monday, April 27, 2009.
More Information
View PowerPoint from Community Budget Dialogue
Read summary of community and staff input on the budget proposal
The process and decision makers
The District’s lead administration team (the Lead Team) developed a list of budget recommendations based on feedback from a 48-member Budget Advisory Team. Comprised of community members, parents and staff, the Budget Advisory Team represents the District’s various constituencies and was assembled for the sole purpose of assisting the Lead Team with budget recommendations. The School Board serves as the final decision maker and will act on the Lead Team’s budget recommendations. The School Board will approve the 2009-2010 school year budget in June.
Members of the lead team
Superintendent |
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Director, Teaching and Learning |
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Director, Human Resources and Administrative Services |
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Director, Business Services |
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Director, District Media and Technology Services |
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Director, Community Education Services and Community Relations |
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Director, Research and Evaluation |
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Director, Special Services |
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Elementary Principal Representative |
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Secondary Principal Representative |
Members of the budget advisory team
Staff
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Parents/community members
Jim Crist |
Pete Espinosa |
Gunnar Hayes |
Jay Hiniker |
Andrea Knoll |
Mark Lawrence |
Dennis Maetzold |
Jim Meffert-Nelson |
Bruce Mooty |
Regina Neville |
Meg Rodriguez |
Shannon Rusk |
Paula Sell |
Lonni Skrentner |
Tom Spaeth |
Leny Wallen-Friedman |
Tim Walsh |
Kay Wothe |
Rod Young |
Stephanie Zahrbock |
BRRRG
The District is using a process called BRRRG to maximize its budget and staff resources during these challenging economic times. The BRRRG acronym stands for Budget Reduction, Reallocation and Revenue Generation. As we go through this process, we will seek input from community members, staff and parents.
Timeline
While there are many unknowns in terms of timeline, the School Board is required to approve the 2009-2010 budget in June 2009. Information will be posted on this Web page as it becomes available. Check back soon for the latest updates.
Edina Public Schools budget FAQ
(added 03-02-09)
Why is Edina Public Schools projecting a shortfall in the general fund?
How does Edina Public Schools receive its funding?
What is the breakdown of general fund expenditures?
How does the state determine the amount to give to Edina Public Schools?
How is money for school operations allocated?
Why does Edina Public Schools carry a fund balance?
How will the Budget Reductions, Reallocation and Revenue Generation (BRRRG) decisions be made?
Download a printable copy of Budget FAQ
Q. Why is Edina Public Schools projecting a shortfall in the general fund?
A. In the 2009-2010 school year, it is estimated that general fund expenditures will exceed revenues by 2.5 percent. Specifically, the District’s revenue will increase by 1.47 percent while its expenditures will increase by 3.97 percent. The small increase in revenue is primarily due to a zero increase in state aid. The increase in expenditures is largely attributed to salary, benefits, additional staff and utility increases. To maintain a balanced budget, the District will have to reduce expenditures by $1,750,000.
Q. How does Edina Public Schools receive its funding?
A. Edina Public Schools receives about 73.5 percent of its funding from the State of Minnesota. An additional, 21.6 percent of funding comes from local taxes, 2.7 percent comes from other local revenue, and 2.2 percent comes from federal aid.
Q. What is the breakdown of general fund expenditures?
A. 87.9 percent of the general fund is allocated to salaries and benefits. The remaining 12.1 percent of the budget is allocated to purchase services, which accounts for 8.6 percent, and supplies and materials, which accounts for 3.5 percent.
Q. How does the state determine the amount to give to Edina Public Schools?
A. The State of Minnesota uses a weighted formula called Average Daily Memberships (ADM) of pupils to determine how much funding the District receives per pupil. Edina’s ADM number for the 2008-2009 school year is 9,057, which is multiplied by $5,124 to determine total basic aid.
Q. How is money for school operations allocated?
A. The State of Minnesota requires school districts to establish different funds to manage school operations. Edina Public Schools maintains five funds: general, food services, community service, building, and debt services. While money from the general fund can be used to support the other funds, the reverse is not true. For example, money in the building fund cannot be used to support the general fund.
Q. Why does Edina Public Schools carry a fund balance?
A. The fund balance is essentially unreserved funds. The School Board recommends that Edina Public Schools carry a fund balance between 6 and 12 percent. Maintaining a healthy fund balance safeguards the District from tax abatements and legislative shortfalls. It also serves as a cushion for low cash flow or in the event of catastrophic need. Edina Public Schools’ fund balance for the 2008-2009 school year is 8.9 percent.
Q. How will the Budget Reductions, Reallocation and Revenue Generation (BRRRG) decisions be made?
A. The District’s lead administration team will develop a list of budget recommendations based on feedback from a 48-member Budget Advisory Team. Comprised of community members, parents and staff, the Budget Advisory Team represents the District’s various constituencies and was assembled for the sole purpose of assisting the Lead Team with budget recommendations. The School Board serves as the final decision maker and will act on the Lead Team’s budget recommendations. The School Board will approve the 2009-2010 school year budget in June. More info
Questions
Please email your questions regarding the 2009-2010 budget to info@edina.k12.mn.us
All inquiries will be kept confidential.