The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District will not lay off staff or end programs despite lower than expected budget reserves.
In a special board meeting on Thursday, the district of 6,600 students approved the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the proposed 2018-19 budget.
A portion of the meeting identified the current reserve funds for the district. That number sits at 3.01%, just above the state minimum. The projected General Fund balance for the 2017-18 fiscal year is $2,003,643, more than $2.1 million less than what was projected
Union Executive Director for teachers, Jim Lynett pointed out the district had several program miscalculations including costs and expenses of the solar energy project as well as Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for projected revenue.
According to Kristen Shouse, the interim CBO, the district took a conservative approach to its budget, providing a buffer to the state required reserve minimum and a road map to reach 5%.
"You always want to keep your people and programs intact," said Shouse. said the district would "get through this process without sacrifice" and assured no layoffs or cuts to programs would occur.
But as Lynett points out, there are adjustments to certain areas.
"These adjustments have impacted the K-5 Academic Coaches assignments," according to Lynett. "Four of the six coaches will return to the classroom thereby saving their salaries.
"It is important to note that many of the added initiatives particularly pertaining to school safety are still included in the LCAP such as a School Resource Office, a Mental Health Therapist, security cameras and radios, and the creation of a Community Day School."
The budget will go to the county for review and any additional measures.
