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(707) 795-4380 (707) 795-6468 FAX
Christopher Rafanelli Superintendent/Principal
Dear Liberty
Families,
As you are aware, California has an enormous
deficit in its budget this year. The approved
State budget and the forecasts for the coming years have dramatically decreased
the funds that Liberty School expects to receive. Funding reductions combined with the attempt
by neighboring districts to limit or discourage student transfers has created a
changing school dynamic in our area. We
are responding to these changes by continuing the process from last year to
trim our ongoing budget expenses while also looking at other ways to protect
Liberty’s independence.
If
current spending continues, Liberty will face a $210,000 deficit for the coming
school year and a $206,000 deficit for the following school year. While the District has historically budgeted
conservatively and has maintained a large reserve, we are not in a position to
run $200,000 plus deficits for two consecutive years. To keep our district solvent and maintain a
reserve to protect the district from further reductions in state revenue, the
Board has asked the budget committee to make approximately $125,000 to $150,000
in cuts in each of the next two years.
As
a part of the package of mandatory budget reductions for the coming school
year, the budget committee recommended and the Board has approved several
actions. Action has been taken to reduce
the staff by two teaching positions.
Even though the Board hopes the school district will be in a financial
position to restore these positions for the next year, teachers were notified
in accordance with state mandates. Next,
this year’s $120,000 plus reductions, including staff pay reductions, will be
continued. Finally, custodial support is
being reduced.
As
an element of our efforts to free up resources and to minimize the effects of
actions taken by nearby districts, the Board has approved a charter school
within our own current school. While
parents, students, and staff will see no changes to our program, it will
allow the district to access special charter funds, reduce the schools need to
purchase textbooks that we don’t need or use, and eliminate the ability of
neighboring districts to restrict student transfers. Again, Liberty School will not change any of
our current programs, instructional practices, or expectations.
If
you would like to know more about the state of the district budget and the
charter, the Board will be discussing these issues at the April 20th
meeting. Additionally, you can contact me for more information or to ask
questions.
Sincerely,
Chris Rafanelli
Superintendent/Principal
