2011-2012 Budget Gulf Has Widened
The 2011-2012 school year budget that Superintendent Rob Neu presented to the school board and the public on May 10, 2011, cut current year spending by $8 million. That budget was based on best estimates at that time of how much of the $5.5 billion state deficit the state would ask public schools to absorb.
Following the state’s passage of its operating budget on May 25, it is now apparent the district must find another $2 million to cut. The superintendent and the school board are assessing the state's final budget, which left open how districts would cut the additional amounts. It’s likely that each of the state’s 295 school districts is going to respond differently.
More than one research organization has credited Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) with getting greater results with less money than nearly any other district in the state. But, as funding continues to evaporate, the district’s ability to sustain a world-class education for all of our students will be severely tested.
Already among one of the lowest-funded districts in the state – and after a decade in which funding has already dwindled by $22 million -- FWPS is trying to accommodate a shortfall of $10 million this coming year while keeping student learning at the forefront.
More details are available at http://www.fwps.org/info/budget/. Public comment will be taken at each of the next two school board meetings, June 14 and June 28, to be held at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal Way. Comments also can be submitted by email to budget@fwps.org.
See Superintendent Neu’s 2011-12 budget proposal based on the previously assumed $8 million deficit.
Posted: June 9, 2011