Estimates of a budget deficit have gone up by more than $9 million. The district and its schools might face substantial cuts to services and the increase of class sizes.
By Nora Fleming / Special to The Malibu Times
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District faces a possible $12 million budget deficit during the next 18 months with substantial cuts predicted for the 2009-2010 school year, officials said at a State of Our Schools Forum that took place last week at Webster Elementary School.
The estimated deficit may mean that the quality of education the district offers to students in the coming year would fall short, despite statistics that show placing an emphasis on strong education contributes to an overall community benefit, district officials said.
At last week’s forum, sponsored by the district’s PTA Council and Community for Excellent Public Schools, or CEPS, audience members were informed of the high achievements of SMMUSD students, reflected in the increasing Academic Performance Index and CASHEE scores within in the district (all of which are higher than state levels) and of Rand Corporation-backed statistics proving education leads to higher wages, employment and property values.
But the presentation ended with the hard facts of the state of the district’s current budget, which has continued to worsen during the past few months.
At last week’s Board of Education meeting, officials said the deficit would mean imminent cost-cutting measures for the next school year, including possible cuts to central office administration, contracts, health benefits, health services and special programs, in addition to increasing class sizes. The deficit could also result in the reduction of instructional materials and an inability to provide competitive salaries for teachers.
The maximum suggested reductions, which will be discussed in more detail at the March 5 Board of Education meeting, would only make a $7 million dent in that amount, according to a report presented at last week’s board meeting.
While the SMMUSD is not in such dire straits as some other school districts, helped by a budget reserve, significant local funding and the recent release of Santa Monica City funds of $804,000, state budget cuts totaling nearly $40 billion have meant all school districts within California, including SMMUSD, have taken a significant hit, as state funding contributes to more than half of a school district’s funding.
“We have a rainy day fund, but it’s pouring,” said SMMUSD Superintendent Tim Cuneo. “But I don’t think the solutions in Sacramento are the solutions in our district. We will have to make our own decisions here.”
Local schools have already seen an increase in the number of students applying for the free lunch program and in visits to the school nurse, due to losing family health insurance after their parents lost their jobs, Cuneo said. While a hiring freeze has already been implemented to fill staff vacancies within the district, no cuts will be made this school year.
And while the report looks grim, the figures still aren’t certain, and are dependent on the state and federal budget.
Currently, California is 47th in the nation in per pupil spending, and SMMUSD spends $6,208 per year per pupil, which is $700 less than the national average. Local sources contribute $2,412 of this amount, roughly 23.1 percent per student.
“[SMMUSD] is unique in the commitment of the communities and parents to their schools,” Cuneo said in a follow up interview with The Malibu Times. “The community understands that a quality education affects the quality of life, and that having a strong school system will prepare children for the future.”
Since 1984, six parcel taxes have been passed in the district, including Measure R, a $346 parcel tax that will raise $10.4 million annually for the school district, which was passed last year. Three bond measures, including Measure BB, which is supporting current construction projects within the district, have been passed since 1990.
Though last week’s forum brought many hard statistics to light, three high school seniors and three teachers from Malibu High School, which was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 100 schools in 2007, shared their fond experiences at Malibu High School.
Bob Perry, a science teacher talked about the ability of using Malibu’s environment as an outdoor classroom, and the year’s worth of research undertaken by high school students at Zuma Beach, chronicled in their science journals. Bill Bixler, who has taught music at Malibu High for 16 years, talked about expanding the music program from 15 students when he started at the school, to 150 students to date.
All three seniors, who are involved in a variety of activities at the school, stressed the emphasis Malibu High places on a community and the strong educational foundation they have been provided at the school.
“Every class, [and] every teacher here is amazing,” said senior Thea Stutsman, “When I’ve talked to my friends at other schools, I’ve realized they’re not getting something I’m getting here at Malibu High School.”
SMMUSD budget facts
Number of enrolled students
11, 565 students
25.12% students on reduced/free lunches
Budget 2008-2009: $123.7 million
Services/operating expenses: $12.7 million
Books/supplies: $7.5 million
Salaries/benefits: $58.6 million
Other salaries: $20.9 million
Benefits: $22.4 million
Per Pupil Spending
$6,208
$2,412, 23.1% from local funding
Amount of projected decrease in budget balance (with no remediation)
2008-2009: $6,055,939
2009-2010: $10,284, 225
2010-2011: $11,355,132
2011-2012: $11,911,132
Possible areas to cut
Total: $695,000 – $6,830,000
Increasing class size to more than 20: dependent on decision by the state
Savings: $0-$2,000,000
Central office administrative reductions
Savings: $120,000-$500,000
SAMOHI reorganization
Savings: $175,000-$550,000
Special Education
Savings: $200,000-$500,000
Categorical Flexibility
Savings:$0-$1,500,000
Contracts
Savings: $200,000-$500,000
Supply Allocations
Savings: $0-$50,000
Health Benefits
Savings: $0-$1,000,000
Elementary Music
Savings: $0-$160,000
Health Services
Savings: $0-$80,000