As we start planning for the 2008-09 fiscal year, we keenly await the state budget discussions to settle. So far, the Governor has triggered some midyear reductions for the current fiscal year and a 10 percent across-the-board budget cut for the next fiscal year.
Although the proposed budget reduction will require the approval of state legislature and the final outcome of budget negotiations in Sacramento will not be known for months, the state appears poised to hand the biggest budget reductions ever dealt to public education in any one year.
We watch these developments with concern as we start the district”s budget development process for the next year. The state budget discussions are expected to continue into the summer months; yet we are required by law to develop and submit a budget based on the information available to us.
Consequently, we must prepare for the reductions currently outlined in the Governor”s proposal and proceed with the development of our district”s budget based on these assumptions. Sadly, it appears that we will need to evaluate all our options including reduction or elimination of programs for our students.
In the meantime, we continue to be engaged in a process of mediation in regard to the negotiations with our teachers” union. On January 24, the district and union negotiating teams worked through a State mediator to try to resolve the differences that currently exist between the district”s offer for a compensation package increase and the demands of the union.
Although we were not able to come to an agreement, it appeared that some progress has been made toward reaching a settlement. Another mediation session has been scheduled for February 27 in which both sides will continue their efforts to bridge the gap in their positions and try to find common grounds.
Even without any increase in the employee compensation, the district faces significant budget reduction in 2008-09 fiscal year and possibly beyond. Any increase in the total compensation package for employee groups will necessitate further program cuts and reduction in services our students receive. Therefore, any increases in employee compensation package must be evaluated in the full context of fiscal realities faced by state and, as a result, our district.
We remain determined to protect and serve the interests and needs of our students. We are also committed to addressing any compensation issues fairly and amicably. We look forward to working with our teachers and other staff in collectively seeking solutions to numerous challenges we now face. We are hoping that the collective bargaining issues will be put to rest soon allowing all of us to focus on what we all love to do ? educating our children.
Louise Nan, Superintendent
Konocti Unified School District
