State Budget Crisis Impacts California Schools

Dear Staff and Community,

I am continually impressed with the way the PYLUSD family pulls together to ensure students receive the best education possible. As I walk into schools, I see teachers engaging their students in outstanding learning opportunities. I also see classified staff providing support services to all students in a kind, caring, and competent fashion.

It is because of the caliber of professionals that work in this district that I write to you with complete confidence that we will find a way to weather the current financial storm facing our state and school district. I firmly believe we will come out stronger and even more committed to the students we serve.

I feel it is important to keep you up-to-date on our progress in addressing the District's budget situation.

Where do we stand financially?

In January, the Governor's proposed budget brought further bad news to the PYLUSD. In addition to the $15 million in planned budget cuts, the district is now facing $6.3 million in additional reductions.

The PYLUSD has been addressing the huge budget shortfall using a three-year approach. Making reductions over three years is being done to spread out the impact these reductions will have on our employees and programs.

What have we done so far?

Teachers, managers, and confidential staffs have agreed to a 2.16% reduction through furlough days in the current year and a 3.24% reduction through furlough days in 2010-11. These furlough days create a budget savings of approximately $6 million. Classified employees are now voting on a similar furlough agreement that would generate additional savings over two years. In addition, 92 teachers participated in the Early Retirement Incentive; approximately 25 of those teaching positions will not be filled next year due to an increase to K-12 class size.

What will we need to do next?

We have teams working every day to identify revenue generating possibilities which include: an energy management program, leasing out property, and writing grants. In addition, we are taking advantage of the flexibility allowed by the state and are continuing to look for ways to reduce spending wherever possible.

In closing, although this information is not good news, I remain confident that, together, we will face these difficult times with an unwavering focus on our core values and mission to provide the best education possible for our students.

I encourage you to continue to visit this webpage for additional information about the current state of the budget crisis.

Sincerely,


Dennis Smith
Superintendent