School budget forecast is grim … again

A Board of Education meeting on Sept. 12 brought unwelcome, but not unexpected, news: Baldwin schools are facing a budget deficit again. In the 2012-13 budget — the one approved in May — a gap of around $4.7 million was part of the impetus for closing the Shubert and Milburn schools, among other cost-cutting measures. The shortfall projected for the next budget, 2013-14, is even more substantial.

Edward Cullen, the Baldwin School District’s assistant superintendent for business, said the 2013-14 budget could be as much as $7 million short. He based his figures on a comparison of projected expenses and revenue.

While last year’s belt-tightening measures did not include deep cuts to Baldwin’s educational programs, this year, such reductions seem all but inevitable. Although budget projections are fluid by nature, it seems unlikely that such a large gap will shrink enough to render significant cuts unnecessary.

Although the district and the school board have not begun discussing ways to make ends meet within the schools themselves, they have initiated proceedings to discuss one cost-cutting measure: a reduction of busing services. “The board will hold a special meeting next Thursday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m., at the district office,” said district spokeswoman Cristina Schmohl. “The board will discuss a possible transportation referendum, and the meeting will be open to questions and comments.”

The school district currently provides more busing services than mandated by the state. The goal of Thursday’s meeting will be to set up a public referendum that might allow the district to reduce transportation services closer to the minimum. (The district cannot alter transportation services without obtaining a majority vote from residents.) This downsizing has been discussed in previous budget planning sessions, and board members believe that it might create up to $2 million in savings.

For up-to-date meeting minutes, calendar and budget data, see the school district website, baldwinschools.org.

Special school board session scheduled
A special session to discuss a transportation referendum will be held Sept. 27, at 8 p.m., at the district office, at 960 Hastings St. The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Oct. 10, at 8 p.m., at the Brookside School.