Two proposed budgets discussed during RUSD board meeting

During Tuesday night’s Redlands Unified School District Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Lori Rhodes presented two distinct budget plans: one if there is a $2.6 million addition, and one of there is a $2.6 million reduction.

The proposed budgets are for the 2011-12 school year, and depend on whether or not a special election is held in June, and if voters pass tax continuances.

During a Power Point presentation, Rhodes discussed the harsh cuts that have taken place over the past four years. The budget was first reduced by $2.1 million for the 2007-08 school year, then $4.7 million for 2008-09. Further cuts were held in the 2009-10 school year ($9.8 million) and 2010-11 ($12.8 million).

“That’s a total of $29.4 million we were supposed to be allocated by didn’t receive,” Rhodes said.

Through President Barack Obama’s American Reinvestment Recovery Act (ARRA), the district received a one-time only funding of $14.1 million. 

“That let us get through the drastic budget cuts,” Rhodes said.

Whether or not the tax continuances are passed, there will be a one-time carryover amount of $2.6 million added to the district budget, as well as so called “magic money” base revenue of $3 million. This will result in the district having an additional $2.6 million if the tax continuance passes, and a $2.6 million reduction if the tax continuance fails.

If the tax continuance passes, the top priority is to restore two days to the academic calendar for all employees, eliminating two of the furlough days that they had to take this year. Two days of training for employees will also be added.

If it fails, there are four different levels of possible cuts that will be looked at, encompassing different dollar amounts. Level one, which cuts $2.6 million, will call for Bryn Mawr Elementary School to move to a traditional schedule, and to reduce special education transportation encroachment for county classes. That level will be implemented, according to Rhodes.

Feedback groups, comprised of staff, community members, and others, met to discuss what should and should not be cut, and it was their recommendations that were taken into consideration for the cuts and additions.

In order to have the tax continuance on the ballot during the special election in June, two-thirds of the state legislation must vote in favor.

“We must lobby to get it on the ballot,” board member Pat Kohlmeier said.

In addition to the budget discussions, a winter sports update was given by Pat Hafley, coordinator, district athletics. He noted that Citrus Valley High School performed well, despite having no senior athletes, and that Redlands High School sent seven wrestlers to the CIF-Southern Section title meet. Redlands East Valley High School won two Citrus Belt League titles - girls water polo and wrestling - and wrestlers Alexis Rodriguez and Chris Mecate won individual CIF titles. 

Hafley also handed out outstanding athlete awards for winter sports to four student athletes from Orangewood High School, Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Citrus Valley High School.

“There were more wins than losses with teams in the Redlands Unified School District,” he said. “We’re most proud that everyone involved in athletic programs understand the meaning of being a student athlete.”

The next Board of Education meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 8, at 25 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands