SPUSD Administration Proposes 2016-2017 Budget to School Board
Coinciding with California’s state budget approval later this month and the end of the fiscal year, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) administration presented a proposed three year budget to the Board of Education beginning with the fiscal year 2016-2017. The proposed budget reflects items such as Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) projections, Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) revisions and recent bargaining unit negotiations.
The District ends the 2015-2016 fiscal year with a 7.3% reserve balance, but the budget prudently prepares for slower economic growth. According to School Services of California, the average unified school district reserve balance in 2014-2015 was 13.09%. The State’s funding formula (LCFF) has created a significant funding disparity providing more dollars to districts that serve greater numbers of English-learners, children from low-income families and foster youth. Therefore, it is critical for districts, like South Pasadena, to rely on revenue generated through local sources.
“While the District has enjoyed several years of increased state funding, South Pasadena Unified as compared to many other California districts receives a low level of overall funding. Many of the expenditures delineated in the budget reflect statutory increases mandated by the State,” said Dave Lubs, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. “A continued emphasis on local funding sources such as the parcel tax, SPEF, Booster Clubs and PTAs is critical to maintain the District’s history of educational excellence. Approximately 10% of the District’s operating budget is generated through these local sources.”
LCFF legislation and funding requires districts to update the LCAP annually based on stakeholder input. This spring, SPUSD constituent groups were asked to participate in a survey evaluating District-wide services and programs. These survey results were shared in stakeholder meeting sessions and these sessions led to recommended LCAP revisions, including a re-alignment of LCAP goals to the District Strategic Plan.
“Parents, students, educators, bargaining unit representatives, and community members provided thoughtful and relevant information about the impact of SPUSD’s services and programs,” said Christiane Gervais, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. “It is apparent that student success is a high priority, and we are grateful to all the stakeholders who participated in the LCAP input and revision process.”
The proposed budget also reflects salary increases for certificated, classified, and management employees which include a 2% retoractive increase for 2015-2016 and reflects no salary increases for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 fiscal years.
The Board is expected to take action on the proposed budget and the LCAP on June 28, 2016.
South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD), 1020 El Centro St., South Pasadena, (626) 441-5810 or visit www.spusd.net.
