Dr GOREE
This is your statement as reported in media 1. Is CPSB operating in a deficit 2. If so what is the amount and how being paid 3. If not explain the statement.
Please respond NLT 25 June
Thanks
John
Mr. Settle,
Thank you for reaching out for clarification. As you know well in many settings, it is difficult for any of our media partners to capture all of the comments made on an issue in such a concise format based on the timeframe given to them for each newscast. In this case, our media partners have been attending budget information sessions and the final budget approval meeting as part of their coverage of the district.
Yesterday, we spoke about the ways we worked to address our budget concerns and to meet the needs of our students and staff. For the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget, which was approved on Tuesday, staff has been working for months to evaluate efficiencies and to ensure we are being the best stewards of taxpayer dollars we can be. In this vein, we presented a proposal to the Board which maintained the classroom as the top priority and continued funding for top-rated curriculum and resources, teacher classroom supplies, and reviewed all available positions. To put into perspective, we began this process with a total list of needs which put us millions over budget. Through diligent and thoughtful efforts, we made some difficult and trying decisions to reduce expenditures, cut wherever possible, and to balance our budget. Ultimately, the Board approved a balanced budget with no extras or room for additional expenditures.
We know under statute our district cannot operate in a deficit budget and it is my commitment as Superintendent to ensure that such a scenario will not take place. To do so, we must work within our means and maintain focus on our core mission. The budget approved is balanced after decisions made such as those noted above but we know there is more to be done in the months and years ahead as we work to ensure our district is financially strong in the long-term.
In conclusion the comment made on a deficit was in regard to an overall outlook from the beginning of the process to now as we looked at the totality of district needs from being millions over budget to decisions made to ultimately balance our budget.