Cypress School Board receives report on mid-year state budget cuts

At its regular meeting on Feb. 9, the Cypress School District Board of Trustees handled a variety of items, from a student presentation on intervention to a sobering report on the state budget. The following description of the Board’s activities was released by the Cypress School District.

Presentation by students from Vessels School

Students shared an overview of the Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Intervention Support program, including behavioral expectations and procedures for rewarding good behavior and discouraging poor behavior. The program is made possible as a result of a $24,000 three year grant.

Web-based learning

Staff shared information regarding the newly completed English/Language Arts Benchmark Assessments aligned to common core standards as part of the Standards Based Report Cards, and the Study Island web based program for math, all of which correspond to the State Standards.

State-mandated environmental requirements

The Board approved resolutions approving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption for both the Luther and Arnold schools modernization and expansion projects.

State changes to kindergarten enrollment dates

Staff presented information regarding Senate Bill 1831, which changed the dates for Kindergarten enrollment. Staff’s recommendation is to move forward with a two year Transitional Kindergarten program. Transitional Kindergarten students for 2012/13 are those who will turn five between November 2 and December 2, 2012. They would enroll to start school at the beginning of the year and commit to a two year program, moving into a regular kindergarten program for the 2013/14 year. The Board provided direction for staff to proceed.

Mid-year state budget concerns

The Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, reviewed the mid-year cuts already enacted as a result of the trigger language in the current budget. California has reduced its budget deficit from $26.6 billion this year to $9.2 billion for 2012/13. The current proposed budget assumes voters will approve the governor’s $6.9 billion tax measure on the November 2012 ballot; it provides no additional spending for education and completely cuts funding for all transportation services. If the proposed budget initiative fails, education could be cut by about $370 per ADA.

The District will create a contingency plan in the event the initiative fails, which may include forming a Budget Advisory Committee, utilization of one time monies and unspent revenues; possible negotiated furlough days for 2012/13 and 2013/14; and other expenditure reductions. Dr. McLellan has posted the presentation on the District website along with the current issue of “Dollars and Sense” newsletter.