Superintendent’s Column

May 2008

Mark of Excellence

By Dr. Richard A. DiPatri

Budget Reductions Won’t Deter Our Commitment to Educational Excellence

As you have no doubt read in the newspaper or seen on the television news, Brevard Public Schools is dealing with a $35.9 million budget reduction from July of 2007 to July of this year. As this edition of the Mark Excellence is going to press, I am still working closely with district staff to finalize my budget reduction recommendations to the School Board. Here is what we know:

These budget cuts equate to a $21.3 million reduction in the operating budget and $14.6 million in the capital budget. While this is a serious budget reduction, we are focused on creative solutions, not unproductive complaining. We continue to adjust our budget reduction plans, making recommendations to the School Board in coming weeks.

These reductions are being addressed in two phases: Phase I on May 13 involved recommendations to the Board concerning only central office and district level support staff. That $3.5 million reduction eliminates 60 positions with no individual employee losing a job. Six staff members are scheduled for transfer to other positions. As dire revenue forecasts began to emerge last summer, our School Board took prudent action by freezing vacant positions before the 2007-2008 budget was finalized. This gave us greater flexibility with our Phase I reductions.

Phase II on the agenda for the May 27 School Board Meeting represents the bulk of the reductions, including special programs and other staff, as 80 percent of the district budget is expended on personnel. As these recommendations are finalized May 20, details will be available on the district Web site: www.brevardschools.org.

Protecting Brevard Public Schools’ core mission—student instruction—remains the district’s primary objective. A school district is only as good as the teachers, support staff and administrators who dedicate their careers to student success, and Brevard is certainly home to many of the best. Coupling that with outstanding parental support is a winning recipe for success.

All of our budget reduction strategies, from freezing open positions to increasing energy conservation efforts, are designed to minimize the impact on existing staff and students. Protecting our quality instructional programs, and also preserving employee positions to the best of our ability, are our highest priorities.

As parents, you obviously want the best educational experience possible for your child. We agree, and also expect nothing less. Brevard’s proud record of student achievement stands as “First in Florida” on many counts. We have aspirations of being recognized as “First in the Nation.” Working together, even in difficult budget circumstances, we will make those dreams a reality.

An unknown author once said “A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.” Our budget adversities make our path much tougher to travel, but not impossible. We will not be deterred from our commitment to quality. We will not surrender our high expectations for our students and our district. We will not settle for mediocrity.

As this school year draws to a close, I thank you again for your commitment to your student’s education, to your school district, and to your community. Have a wonderful summer!