It looks as if we have turned a financial corner. We may be able to do away with furlough days next year. We may even be able to start bringing back some lost positions. — Karlo Silbiger, new School Board President, on Dec. 28.
In light of the newfound School District optimism that has accompanied Karlo Silbiger’s election to the Presidency of the School Board, he was asked what has happened to begin to restore stability?
“A few things,” Mr. Silbiger told the newspaper. “Thanks to our community who voted overwhelmingly for the Measure EE parcel tax, we receive over $1 million each year in locally-produced General Fund revenue.
“Thanks to our employees, who have taken furlough days (and therefore a pay cut) for the past two years, we have been able to save almost $2 million over that time.
“Due to some unexpected federal and state funding, we have about $1.2 million more this year than budgeted, which will be held over to next year's budget
“December tax revenue in California was higher than expected, leading to only moderate level mid-year cuts (the so-called ‘triggers’).
“As a District, we prepared for the worst possible situation, putting aside about $1.8 million for these mid-year cuts. While I haven't gotten final word from the District, it looks like we will lose less than $500,000.
“That would leave us with a net savings of about $1.3 million over what was budgeted in June.
“Bottom line is, our budget is currently balanced for this year and the two that follow (with no furlough days and no additional cut positions).
With the added $2.5 million from the unexpected revenue I mentioned, we look to be in the best shape we have been since I have been on the Board.”
Mr. Silbiger was asked what has to occur for the aforementioned furlough days to be dropped?
“Furlough days are negotiable with each of our three bargaining groups,” he said. “ So, I don't know. However, I am of the belief that we want our employees to work and for our students to go to school.
The Final Choice
“Furlough days should only be used as a last financial option. If we end the year with at least $1 million of unexpected revenue (now estimated by me to be at $2.5 million), then we should not have furlough days next year. Of course, this all assumes no major cuts in state or federal funding for education.”
How closely is that linked to starting to restoring some positions?
“Once furlough days are cut,” Mr. Silbiger said, “my next goal is to bring back those positions that have been cut over the past few years. My two priorities are lowering class size (especially at the secondary schools) to a reasonable level and undoing the 25 percent cut to the music program that the District approved two years ago. Our music program is getting better by the day. But classes are overflowing. We need that position restored.”
Practically speaking, how many positions would Mr. Silbiger like or be able to restore?
“Impossible to predict,” he said. “However, I am optimistic that we will be able to restore at least a few given the positive numbers that I mentioned earlier.”
What is the earliest reasonable date such persons could return?
“The budget will be passed in June.” Mr. Silbiger said. “I would imagine that we will restore positions to begin July 1.”
Mr. Silbiger may be contacted at ksilbiger@juno.com
