|
Cuts/Adjustments Keep Budget Balanced
But Sacrifice Jobs and Student Programs
Ohio requires every school district to submit a five-year general operations budget forecast. A district that projects a deficit must explain what action it will take to balance its budget, such as cuts and/or a levy. Since 2001, without seeking more revenue, Akron Public Schools balanced its budget through sizable reductions and streamlining in all areas of its operations and by curtailing spending. From 2001 to 2005, the district cut nearly $30 million from its budget, including 400 job positions in every job category.
By 2005, the district downsized its operations to the point that, without new revenue, it would be forced to make future cuts from people and programs that directly affect the classroom and students.
With the loss of Issue 78 in November 2005, the district's deficit climbed to $40 million. In March 2006, the Board of Education made more cuts totaling $3 million. The board advised the community that it would put a levy on the May 2006 ballot. The board made it very clear that a levy loss in May would mean student program cuts. Issue 1 lost by a mere 550 votes.
In May, the Board moved forward with approximately $7 million in additional reductions. These cuts included all middle school and freshman sports programs, elementary and middle school foreign language, elementary instrumental music, and slightly increased class sizes in grades 4-12. March cuts also included 175 additional job positions. Two schools closed. (There were no cuts to the high school programs including AP courses, high school arts, music and junior varsity/varsity sports programs.)
Since 2001, a total of more than $43 million, including more than 575 job positions, has been cut from the general operations budget. To date, 32% of the district administrative jobs and 17% of its teaching positions have been eliminated (see chart – to view the
chart, download the free Acrobat reader). Annual spending growth has remained under 3%. Through massive cuts and careful spending, APS has a balanced budget through FY07. The latest unofficial forecast shows the district projects a $34 million deficit in fiscal year 2009.
Below are charts that provide more detailed information about the budget (see the current approved five-year budget and forecast assumptions – to view the
.pdf forms, download the free Acrobat reader). Please note that the five-year budget posted on this site is the current Board- and state-approved budget and does reflect the most recent cuts. A new five-year forecast will be posted once it is approved by the board.
The thumbnails below lead to the full-sized charts – to view the printer-friendly
.pdf versions, download the free Acrobat reader:
|
