For Immediate Release:   May 20, 2008

 

 

BPS Announces Phase II Budget Cuts

Reductions Seek to Protect Instructional Core, Preserve Jobs

 

VIERA—Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri today announced Phase II budget reductions as the district works to absorb a $38.4 million budget shortfall. That number has been revised from the $35.9 million originally discussed. Today’s reduction totals $39.2 million and represents the Superintendent’s recommendations to the School Board for programs and capital or construction projects.  This is in addition to the Phase I $3.5 million in reductions made two weeks ago concerning district-level staffing. The grand total of recommended cuts equals $42.7 million—giving the district $4.3 million in reserve. These reductions are on the agenda for the May 27 School Board Meeting.

“We are doing our best to protect our core instructional mission, while also avoiding layoffs,” DiPatri said. “On the staff side, these Phase II recommendations focus on continued savings through personnel attrition and some shifting of responsibilities—but no current employees will be negatively impacted, including annual contract teachers.”

In today’s Phase II reductions to the operating budget, the largest cut is a $5 million reduction to summer learning programs in 2009. Staff-wise, 12 teaching staff currently assigned outside the classroom would be returned to regular classroom duties. Twelve school resource officers currently assigned at the elementary level would return to their home law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, some custodial units lost through attrition would not be filled.

Considering the capital, or construction budget, reductions in several projects would be taken. Those include: deferring $2.84 million in upgrades at Tropical Elementary School and also deferring $2.98 million in Career and Technical Education projects to support the Secondary Schools of National Prominence initiative. Deferring construction work at Eau Gallie High, Rockledge High and Cocoa High is also recommended.

Officials estimate that, comparing the July 1, 2007 budget to the anticipated July 1, 2008 budget equates to a $42.7 million total reduction; $27.7 million in the operating budget and $15 million in the capital budget.

 

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