Budget 2008 - 2009

Overview

For the next school year, ISD 279 will have approximately $16 million less to operate the system than had been anticipated and therefore, significant cuts will need to be made.

Even before the referendum was held last year, it was known that about $8 million in cuts would need to be made for the 2008 – 2009 school year. When that amount is added together with the $8.6 million that was not approved in question two, there is about $16.3 million less in next year’s budget than had been expected.

Since late November ISD 279 administration and staff have been working to develop a budget while keeping in mind the new Strategic Plan and Mission Statement that was adopted in 2007.

A consultant has been hired to look at ISD 279 and determine options for closing schools and realigning school attendance areas. Staff members are working on identifying other areas that will be affected. These include staffing, class size, extra curricular and co-curricular activities, walking distances and programs.

The School Board received proposals regarding budget reductions and school closings at its January 22 work session. No formal action has been taken on these proposals.

There will be a number of ways for School Board members to receive your thoughts and input on these proposals:

Attend a Community Café on February 20, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the cafeterias of Park Center High School, Osseo Junior High School, and Maple Grove Senior High School. Spanish and Hmong interpreters will be provided at this event. You will have an opportunity to share what you believe to be the strengths, weaknesses, benefits, and concerns of the proposals;
Attend Board meetings held in the Board Room at the ESC (February 6 and February 19 at 8:00 p.m., and the Special Board meeting on March 11 at 7:00 p.m.);
Attend the public hearing for school closings on February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Osseo Senior High School auditorium. Spanish and Hmong interpreters will be provided at this event.

As the Budget process continues, additional information will be posted on this site.

Last Updated on 02/26/2008