Letter to the Editor, Posted: 3/24/04
By Dr. Bob Stepaniak, Superintendent
Last Thursday, a small group of citizens listened to District officials present budget information including a review of the proposed budget adjustments for next year. The budget deficit is $2.8 million dollars and is the second year in a row that the District has faced a large deficit. Last year the school board approved about $2.5 million in adjustments to the budget. There is no end in sight to the financial problems with a $3 million deficit projected for the 2005-06 year. That is the year that Sunrise River School will open.
The participants at the meeting felt the proposed budget adjustments were acceptable under the present circumstances, although concern was expressed about the downward spiral the district finds itself in. Some observers encouraged the school board to look at even higher fees to support athletics and activities while others spoke about the use of fund raisers to help with some of the problems.
The school board is expected to take final action on the proposed cuts at its April 8 regular meeting. Citizens can review the recommended budget adjustments either by going to the district Web site or by picking up a copy of the Budget Adjustment Fact Sheet at the district office. Board members will receive community input on these proposals right up to the April 8 meeting.
There will be little time, however, for the District to catch its breath after this budget is approved. With the opening of Sunrise River about 18 months away, there are future budget issues which must be addressed this fall in order for school officials to effectively plan for the opening of the new school and the reorganization that will take place in other buildings. As part of this discussion, the school board must decide on whether or not to seek an operating levy this fall from district voters.
There is much about all this that needs to be communicated to the public. Watch for articles in the Post-Review and other district publications that will explain the issues, options and plans the district is considering.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com