We entered the 2010-11 school year with much to celebrate, and much to accomplish.
First, let's celebrate: Have you seen the concrete results of the $198 million Proposition P bond measure overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2006? Buena Vista, Hope, Kelly and Magnolia Elementary have been modernized, as have Valley and Aviara Oaks Middle schools. Prop P is funding the massive renovation at venerable Carlsbad High (check out the beautiful new Lancer stadium) and creation of an additional high school at College Boulevard and Cannon Road. We broke ground in October and should open in Fall 2013. District-wide technology upgrades also have been made, thanks to Prop P.
The economic downtown resulted in a highly competitive construction climate, enabling the District to get more renovation bang for its Prop P buck. That was great news. However, the State's continuing budget crisis has placed Carlsbad Unified, and all public school districts in California, in a precarious financial situation.
In June 2010, as we entered the third year of the State's fiscal crisis, California's Superintendent of Education Jack O'Connell stated, “The economic picture for our schools regrettably is bleak. This clearly is a result of inadequate funding of our schools. The lack of funding is hurting our children, our neighborhoods and our future.”
Although the budget problems are not of our making, we have no choice but to deal with them while continuing to provide the highest quality teaching and learning for our nearly 11,000 students. To date, we have been able to minimize the negative impacts of the State's budget crisis, as evidenced by our high Academic Performance Index scores (859 overall, almost 100 points over the State average of 767!) as well as many school, staff and student accolades.
Our basic aid district status and conservative financial approach have softened the blow of State-imposed cuts. Nevertheless, as reported to the Board of Trustees on September 22, 2010, it is estimated that in the 2010-11 school year, CUSD will deficit spend approximately $6-9 million beyond revenues for this year. In the 2011-12 school year, the projected deficit could be about $12 million.
More than 85 percent of most school districts' general fund revenues are consumed by costs of employee compensation and benefits. Therefore, we are proposing a “fair share” approach in union negotiations to reduce expenditures through equitable compensation reductions that enable us to continue providing a world-class education to our students.
Students are not to blame for the State's problems; they should not have to bear the burden. We pledge to maintain our strong focus on student learning and support, high expectations, college and career readiness for all students and a safe and healthy environment.
We Appreciate Your Support
Although this journey is not easy for our District, the path is made more smooth and promising thanks to the strong support we enjoy. Our parent-teacher organizations do an amazing job at each school. The volunteer efforts of their members and others in the community are priceless.
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation (www.carlsbaded.org) is dedicated to raising private support for CUSD's public schools. Since its inception in 1983, it has raised more than $4 million. This school year, Foundation grants will support innovative music and science programs at our sites.
The support of the Chamber, City and community is heartening, and invaluable. As we work through this challenge together, we thank you.
First, let's celebrate: Have you seen the concrete results of the $198 million Proposition P bond measure overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2006? Buena Vista, Hope, Kelly and Magnolia Elementary have been modernized, as have Valley and Aviara Oaks Middle schools. Prop P is funding the massive renovation at venerable Carlsbad High (check out the beautiful new Lancer stadium) and creation of an additional high school at College Boulevard and Cannon Road. We broke ground in October and should open in Fall 2013. District-wide technology upgrades also have been made, thanks to Prop P.
The economic downtown resulted in a highly competitive construction climate, enabling the District to get more renovation bang for its Prop P buck. That was great news. However, the State's continuing budget crisis has placed Carlsbad Unified, and all public school districts in California, in a precarious financial situation.
In June 2010, as we entered the third year of the State's fiscal crisis, California's Superintendent of Education Jack O'Connell stated, “The economic picture for our schools regrettably is bleak. This clearly is a result of inadequate funding of our schools. The lack of funding is hurting our children, our neighborhoods and our future.”
Although the budget problems are not of our making, we have no choice but to deal with them while continuing to provide the highest quality teaching and learning for our nearly 11,000 students. To date, we have been able to minimize the negative impacts of the State's budget crisis, as evidenced by our high Academic Performance Index scores (859 overall, almost 100 points over the State average of 767!) as well as many school, staff and student accolades.
Our basic aid district status and conservative financial approach have softened the blow of State-imposed cuts. Nevertheless, as reported to the Board of Trustees on September 22, 2010, it is estimated that in the 2010-11 school year, CUSD will deficit spend approximately $6-9 million beyond revenues for this year. In the 2011-12 school year, the projected deficit could be about $12 million.
More than 85 percent of most school districts' general fund revenues are consumed by costs of employee compensation and benefits. Therefore, we are proposing a “fair share” approach in union negotiations to reduce expenditures through equitable compensation reductions that enable us to continue providing a world-class education to our students.
Students are not to blame for the State's problems; they should not have to bear the burden. We pledge to maintain our strong focus on student learning and support, high expectations, college and career readiness for all students and a safe and healthy environment.
We Appreciate Your Support
Although this journey is not easy for our District, the path is made more smooth and promising thanks to the strong support we enjoy. Our parent-teacher organizations do an amazing job at each school. The volunteer efforts of their members and others in the community are priceless.
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation (www.carlsbaded.org) is dedicated to raising private support for CUSD's public schools. Since its inception in 1983, it has raised more than $4 million. This school year, Foundation grants will support innovative music and science programs at our sites.
The support of the Chamber, City and community is heartening, and invaluable. As we work through this challenge together, we thank you.