1.  The 2010-2011 budgeted supports the goals of the Fremont School District and School Board.

2.  The total operating budget proposal has an increase of $358,192; 3.41%

3.  The Following are budget highlights:

·   Approximately 3% step raise for professional staff mandated by the CBA Evergreen Clause.

·   A 3% raise for professional staff not included in the Fremont Education Association. These positions are the Special education coordinators, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. If we lose these individuals, we might need to contract for outside services, which would be a greater cost. (Contracted speech services for 07-08 were $101,638: 08-09 $98,232 for just Ellis School students) Additionally, there is a 3% salary increase for the Executive/Accounting Assistant.

·   There is an increase in the Computer Tech position. Presently he is a .75 FTE. Next year we need him full time. The salary cost budget impact is an increase of $25,935. However, his salary has been increased by only $10,000. This does not include benefits. We also reduced contracted tech support by $2,500

·   The administration is requesting 2 additional teachers: grade one because of enrollment and at the grade two level because of programmatic needs. If we can successfully address the grade 2 program needs in house it will be less expensive than the potential of sending students to out of district placements.

·   There is an increase of special education tuition costs by $68,835. This is a result of students moving into the district, among other necessary costs/tuition increases.

·   There is $10,000 budgeted for replacement of computer equipment…The major items include a new server, which replaces the server(s) that “crash” regularly, and replacement of lab computers. The administration reduced spending on computer equipment in other areas of the budget by approximately $7,900.

 

4.  High school regular education tuition has been reduced by $61,331.00 due to reduction in students.

5.  The office of the superintendent has been reduced by $5,614.00.

6.  Ellis School Administration Budget is reduced by $5,050.00.

7.  We are projecting a savings of $22,500 in fuel oil, resulting in a reduction in the Operation of Plant…This of course is an unknown and cost could go up again.

8.  We have a new contract for regular education transportation with a cost savings of $43,316.

9.  I caution you in looking at the grant area. We have no idea exactly how much money we might be awarded, with the exception of ARRA grants which are for two years. Stipulation in these grants prevents us, generally, from supplanting the existing budget and they need to be directed to supplementing our programs.

10.  42% of the budget is contractual: 48% is mandated: Fixed costs are 5%: Books and supplies represent 2%: Discretionary cost, 2%: New positions, 1%. (see Bonnie’s graph after page 104)