Parkland Eyes Budget Cuts

officials are considering cuts in personnel, transportation and supplies as they prepare the 2012-2013 budget, Business Director John Vignone told the school board at its meeting Tuesday night.

"We know there are going to be tough decisions, no doubt about it," Vignone said.

Among the recommendations:

• Elimination of the program, which coincides with the pending retirement of Blake coordinator and art teacher Bob Boehmer.
• Reductions in professional development
• Reductions in supplies
• No general fund contributions to food services, as it becomes self-sustaining.
• No bus purchases 
• No replacement of the Special Education administrator.
• Projected reductions in personnel as teachers and staff retire.
• Fewer bus runs.

The district also plans a spending freeze, beginning Feb. 1

The board will adopt its preliminary budget in January.

Vignone said the value per mill is projected to stay constant, bringing in $2.3 million in revenue. But he said interest rates are at historic lows, new construction remains sluggish and commercial properties continue to appeal their assessments, which could result in lower tax contributions to the district. 

The district faced similar challenges in the 2011-2012 budget, with the board approving a that raised taxes 3.8 percent, froze administrators' salaries and cut 60 teacher and staff positions, about half through retirements and resignations. 

Parkland teachers are in the final year of a five-year contract. Negotiations for a are ongoing.