What is the current fiscal outlook for CUHSD?

The ongoing uncertainties and financial losses due to COVID-19 have impacted the global economy and the state of California.  While it is not clear how long this recession will last and how quickly the economy will recover, CUHSD is preparing for a significant reduction in revenue that could last several budget cycles. 

CUHSD staff have been advised by state and county officials to prepare for the possibility that the State of California will take an increased “fair share” of property taxes from community-funded districts like ours.  We are currently preparing for a loss of $11 million, or approximately 11% of revenue. 

How is CUHSD funded?

As a community-supported district, we are not funded on a per-student basis like most districts in the state are. We receive the vast majority of our revenue through property taxes. This means, as a growing enrollment district, we do not receive additional funding to pay for the additional staff and services more students require. 

In addition, because of the property tax base, the district returns a “fair share” portion of its revenue to the state in the amount of five percent or approximately $5 million. The 2020-2021 “fair share” is expected to triple at the same time as tax revenues are projected to decline and as the district faces more demands on resources including increasing student enrollment, the need for additional teaching staff to maintain class sizes, the need for more special education services, growing retirement, costs and increased services to support students through and following the pandemic.

What are the priorities of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent while considering the 2020-2021 budget and potential reductions? 

Thus far, the Board of Trustees has asked staff to provide a preview of possible budget reductions that stay as far away from the classroom as possible, which includes: 

• Providing students with the essential services they need to graduate 
• Protecting classroom instruction and vital programs and operations necessary to ensure continued student achievement, including class size and classroom aides
• Ensuring the district’s long-term fiscal solvency for future students

The Board will continue to revise these priorities and guiding principles for budget reductions.

What impact will this have on personnel?

More than 80 percent of the CUHSD budget is comprised of salaries and benefits. In order to maintain fiscal solvency for future students, personnel will likely be impacted. 

As CUHSD works through these fiscal challenges, District staff will continue to look for creative solutions that minimize the impact on students and staff. When necessary, the District will focus on the reallocation of personnel into open and/or vacant positions that currently exist or will exist due to attrition or retirements.  

What opportunities will be available for community and staff input?

While the shelter-in-place orders make it more challenging to engage stakeholders, we are increasing the opportunities to provide input through a variety of virtual settings and platforms. These include school site budget development presentations and input meetings, a budget development survey and ThroughtExchange, Facebook and Instragram Live events. Please see the board update on community engagement here.

The District has published a possible set of sample budget reductions for next year.  Are there alternative items being considered? 

Yes.  District administrators are soliciting additional suggestions to consider. These suggestions will be added to the webpage.

More specifically, during the site budget meetings, staff were encouraged to explore furloughs or reducing the 2020-2021 work calendar.  Reduced work calendars must be negotiated with labor organizations; district staff will begin these negotiations with CSEA and SEIU and will present the outcome of these negotiations to the Board.  

What programs have already been cut for next year?

No programs have been reduced or “cut” for next year at this time.  

What positions have already been cut or reduced for next year?

As we prepare for 2020-2021 staffing, school sites are preparing plans for 2020-2021 staffing that would reduce the number of release periods to coordinate programs, but these plans are not final yet.  And, while this is not a budget decision, sites are also preparing for the scenario in which we do not offer marching band and sports PE. Please note: this is due to planning for multiple school-reopening scenarios, including one in which after school sports are limited due to county and state guidance.

Will there be reductions in Superintendent Bravo’s budget? 

Yes. The sample of possible budget reductions includes significant decreases to the superintendent’s discretionary and operational budgets for District Office, including a 46% reduction in the Superintendent’s budget. 

Can Superintendent “perks” like car allowance and professional organizations be considered for additional cuts?

The Superintendent and executive cabinet will be considered with any reduction of work calendar.  The Superintendent does not receive a “car allowance.” The Superintendent’s contract does provide for professional associations and disability insurance but he does not utilize those fringe benefits.

Is there a consideration for reducing programs that are included in the sample of reduction rather than eliminating the full program? For example, CASSY not being at every site every day, but rotating between several sites.

Yes. This suggestion surfaced during the first series of budget conversations and is continuing to be explored.  CASSY, in particular, is a primary example of a current investment where stakeholders have suggested reducing the delivery of services but not eliminating the program entirely. 

Are there any considerations toward condensing positions or responsibilities at the District Office?

Yes, the current sample of reductions includes the potential elimination of eleven (11) positions, which will condense responsibilities among the remaining staff.

What additional budget reduction suggestions have you received for consideration?