Budget Process in Full Swing

by Lynn K. McMullin

        In the past week and a half, Superintendent Kevin Case has introduced his 2010-2011 Education Budget at several different public forums. Mr. Case held four meetings at the Community Center and the elementary schools.  In addition, about two dozen members of the community attended when he presented the budget to the Board of Education at its February 22nd meeting.
        I know the expression seems trite, but there really is no better way to say it: This is a bare bones budget. The 1.94% increase in the Superintendent’s proposed budget includes:
        • Contracted salaries: $287,958
        • Employee Benefits: $120,547
        • Instructional Materials: $7,090
        • Athletics: $10,894 (league contracts for officials, timekeepers, dues, etc.)
        • Pupil Transportation: $90,813 (including out-of-district transportation and a recalculation for transportation which is off-set by a reduction in out-of-district tuition below)
        • Utilities: $32,325
        • Capital Expenditures: $9,085

        Despite predictable increases for textbook and desk replacements, for building maintenance, property insurance, professional development, postage, legal fees, and other items, most of the budget lines have remained flat with a 0% spending increase over last year or have been decreased. The decreases include:
        • Out-of-District Tuition: $95,722
        • Plant Maintenance, Equipment: $11,500
        • Other (includes Dues, Office Supplies, Legal Fees, Consulting): $19,389
        • Professional Development: $729


        The 2010 – 2011 Education Budget currently includes no new staff.  Despite the fact that class sizes will rise slightly, all class sizes will remain within BOE policy. Every program and budget choice has a well-thought out rationale, and none of the cuts have been painless. You may have heard me make this analogy before, but in our education budget, we’re not choosing between caviar and champagne; we’re choosing between bread and milk.
        Next, Mr. Case will present additional cuts in tiers to the BOE Finance Sub-Committee; a 0% budget increase is likely to include the loss of staff positions, as the budget will need to be reduced by an additional $432,911.  That’s why Mr. Case included important reminders about the mission, accomplishments, and goals of the school system in his budget proposal.  His objective was to remind the community that all decisions are being made thoughtfully, responsibly, and with reverence to the strong educational foundation that has been built in Canton over the years.


What’s the Difference Between “Savings” and “Fluff”?
        The citizens who have attended the budget presentations have commented on the fact that there is no wiggle room or “fluff” in this budget.  Fluff is a negative term which denotes the presence of vague items in a budget which have no substance or importance.  With that in mind, it’s very important for us to distinguish between savings and fluff.
        Often the school district can save money in non-predictable ways. If a veteran teacher retires in May or June and a replacement teacher is hired lower on the salary scale, there can be a savings of almost $40,000.  If at the time of purchase, the Technology Administrator negotiates a great deal on replacement computers, the total cost for the equipment can be lower than was budgeted.  If a student who was out-placed for an educational program successfully returns to the district, then his or her services may become less expensive.  If a Professional Development trainer combines services with a nearby district, we might be able to split the travel expenses by half.  These kinds of savings are not “fluff.”  When the budget was built, the people involved used the most accurate information available to them. We never budget extra money, or “fluff,” because we might need it or want it.  Savings are a continual goal; and when they occur, they do not indicate anything other than excellent management of the district’s resources.


Where to Get More Information

~~ The Superintendent's presentation materials are now available on the webpage.
~~ The Superintendent’s Proposed Budget can be found by clicking here. It will be replaced in about two weeks by the Board of Education’s Adopted Budget.
~~ A PDF presentation of students across the district can be found by clicking here.
~~ The schedule of upcoming meetings can be found by clicking here.


What are Your Thoughts?
        At this time, it’s important for all of us to know your suggestions or thoughts. Please read the budget documents linked above and comment below. If you have a question, I’ll do my best to answer it.