Milton schools could face shortfall next year
The Milton School District could face a $1 million shortfall in 2009-10 based on early budget projections, Business Manager Dianne Meyer told the school board tonight.
Meyer created a very preliminary budget estimate holding student enrollment and state aid steady. She estimated increased expenses because of inflation and upcoming teacher contract negotiations. She estimated property value would grow 4 percent, less than normal because of the slow economy.
State aid probably won't increase enough to make up for inflation because of the state's budget crisis, Meyer said. The district is limited by state law as to how much it can increase revenue, which could lead to a shortfall.
The estimate will almost certainly change before next school year, Meyer said, but she wanted the school board to be forewarned that cuts might be necessary.
Dec 9, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.
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There was a huge balance of money left in the budget this year and the so-called business manager, once again, did not do her job. The board of education needs to look more closely at her methods and ask questions. A new superintendent does not need to inherit her mistakes. I don't think the district has too many employees - but it definitely needs a better business manager - and soon.
Dec 9, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.
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Horrible fiscal management. The district "discovered" about 1.5 million dollars in "surplus" funds immediately after settling the teacher contract in October. The money was quickly allocated and spent. Now - just 2 months later - the same person who "discovered" the money is warning of a one million dollar deficit. Why wasn't that money saved? There could be $500k left over, still! The board should look very closely at how this district is being run!
Dec 9, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
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Concessions, we the school board of Milton don't need no stinking concessions...How could we of imbalanced our budget so wrong? It must be the economy, yea that's it, the economy. Saving for a rainy day what a ludicrous idea.
Dec 9, 2008 at 8:01 a.m.
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For once I'd like to hear some talk about the administration -- those who come up with these budgets, etc. We're always complaining about the teacher's union and teachers, but we never discuss the fact that school administration has ballooned in the last 20 years or so. Why can't we lay off some of the bureaucrats? I'm for saving the money by cutting administrators jobs or even allowing attrition of these positions.
Dec 9, 2008 at 5:06 a.m.
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Ya right! We've seen this song and dance before...but when June comes, how come there's ALWAYS money left? LOTS of money! To the tune of $1.5 MILLION just this past year!!! Milton manages their budget about as well as Janesville manages their IT department!
Dec 8, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.
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more taxes please. might as well have what little is left in my paycheck.
Dec 8, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.
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Lets have a spending referrendum right away so we can stop this shortfall and put the blame squarely where it belongs, in the taypayers pocket.
Dec 8, 2008 at 9:07 p.m.
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oh.
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