Schools

Schools Supt. Warns of More Budget Cuts

Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent also pointed out what the district has to be thankful for.

More cuts to education could be on the horizon, Superintendent Stan Scheer warned the Murrieta Valley Unified School District last week.

In an email to district employees, which was also shared at last week's board meeting, Scheer warned of possible midyear cuts.

"We continue to monitor the state’s uncertain financial situation. The state's nonpartisan budget analyst on Wednesday said California will fall $3.7 billion short in revenue this fiscal year," Scheer said.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The shortfall could trigger up to $2.5 billion in midyear reductions that were built into the state’s budget as a contingency measure."

For the district, that could mean trying to find $4 million between Jan. 1 and the end of the school year, he said. The district is operating on a $162.9 million budget.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We already have a significant deficit...a controlled crash--that is what we are trying to do with this."

Scheer said they will have a better picture next month when the Department of Finance releases its own forecast, but said the state's finance director, Ana Matosantos, gave early confirmation there would be cuts on the horizon.

It has been a tumultuous four years for districts in California, including Murrieta.

The district is receiving just above $5,000 per student per year, and is one of the lowest funded districts when it comes to transportation, he said.

"We get $80,000 a year for something that costs us $3 to $4 million a year," he said.

He expressed frustration with the continuing uncertainty.

The district was able to planned for this school year, only after Gov. Jerry Brown .

Scheer said the district must maintain fiscal stability through careful management of resources, as it is one of the largest employers in the valley.

"If the economy of this local community is going to stay healthy, it is because the school district is going to stay healthy.

"At the end of the day, we are working to keep a positive attitude and count our blessings."

In the email, Scheer pointed out that although the district was recently placed in Program Improvement status for its test scores (under the federal No Child Left Behind Act), scores have consistently gone up.

"I am proud to be part of this team and all that has been accomplished.

"So as we head into Thanksgiving, my hope is that each of you will have the opportunity to rest and relax...and take some time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for."


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