Brandon Twp.- Falling off the cliff.
This is the term school district officials around the state, including those in Brandon, have coined for the revenue shortfall expected in fiscal year 2011.
During the Nov. 9 school board meeting, Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs Jamie Cowan gave a financial update for the school district to board members.
Currently, two bills are being considered by state lawmakers? a Senate bill that cuts $292 in per-pupil funding and a House bill that adds back $117, using stimulus money to lessen the damage, resulting in a $175 per-pupil funding loss.
Still, both losses pale in comparison to what is coming? the fall off the cliff.
‘The federal stimulus money softened the blow, but it just delayed it until 2011, when we are going to have a big drop-off,? Cowan said. ‘We’re talking about losing anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per pupil from where we stand right now.?
At the end of June, Brandon was receiving $7,316 per-pupil funding from the state. Cowan is projecting 2011 per-pupil funding at $6,745, or less.
‘Even if the economy gets better, it won’t right the last three years,? she said. ‘Even if we show signs of improvement, we won’t get the 10 percent back, plus what we lost.?
The district received $1.2 million last year in federal stimulus money and expects to receive another $1 million this year.
The board finance committee is currently examining cuts that can be made to the budget without negatively impacting students. Recent discussion has included elimination or reduction of bus transportation for sporting events and other extra-curricular activities.
‘We’re researching ideas of every kind, determining what is feasible and what we will pursue,? Cowan said. ‘If we do nothing and our revenue gets halved without cuts, we can’t last. We would liquidate our fund balance in one year, without cuts or inflation.?
The district recently received good news when voters approved, on Nov. 3, the operating millage renewal of 17.9496 mills on businesses and secondary residences such as vacation homes. The millage generates $1.7 million annually, and Cowan called the renewal ‘critical to the district’s survival.?