Board adopts Plan to Reduce Expenditures for 2011-2012
At the August 8 Special Board of Education meeting, the IPS Board voted 4-2 to adopt the Draft Plan to Reduce Expenditures for the current year by $750,000 to $1 million as presented by Superintendent Dr. Patricia Batista.
Noting the very difficult economic times for schools across Michigan, Dr. Batista pointed out that without reductions, the district general fund budget has a deficit of $1.8 to $2.1 million, depending on whether the district qualifies for the State's Best Practices Incentive.
For the third time in her 8 years as superintendent, Dr. Batista finds herself forced to make reductions greater than $1 million. A major factor in this year's deficit budget is the reduction of $470 per pupil in State Aid.
The attached powerpoint presentation outlines the goals/frameworks used to guide the development of the recommendations as well as the steps taken in the lengthy process.
To confirm important programs that will remain the same, Dr. Batista presented Positive Points of Information. While reducing expenditures, this plan allows Ionia Public Schools to maintain the integrity of its educational programs and to support the district’s goals of improved academic achievement in the core curriculum.
Changes or reductions are outlined by category.
Dr. Batista emphasized this plan is a draft in the sense that some recommendations are subject to legislative action and some recommendations are subject to negotiation with unions within the district.
Ideas, suggestions, and creative ways to fund recommended reductions can be presented to Dr. Batista or members of the Board of Education at any time.
Draft Plan to Reduce Expenditures for 2011-2012
