Schools
Douglas School Board Approves $191M Budget
The tentative total reflects a $17 million "austerity reduction" in state funding and includes five furlough days that are built into the budget.
Acknowledging that creating the fiscal 2012 budget has “not been an easy process,” Douglas County Board of Education members on Monday tentatively approved a $191.2 million spending plan.
“It’s taken a lot of time and consideration. It’s not being done cavalierly,” said Janet Kelley, a former teacher and the current board member representing District 3.
After the budget is advertised as required by the state, the final adoption is expected on June 20.
The 2012 budget reflects a $17 million “austerity reduction” in state funding and includes five furlough days that Chief Financial Officer Kay Turner said “are built into the budget.” Personnel cuts are expected in the central office to “help streamline us even more,” Superintendent Gordon Pritz said.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the tentative budget.
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Pritz reminded school board members that “the board can amend the budget at anytime during the year.” Board member D.T. Jackson expressed concern about the central office being “top heavy” and questioned if the “reclassification of positions” had been considered.
The board approved special work sessions for 5 p.m. on June 20 and July 18. These meetings will precede the regularly scheduled meetings set for 6 p.m.