THE OSHKOSH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT INVITES COMMUNITY INPUT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2010‐2011 BUDGET

For more information contact:

Dr. Bette Lang
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Oshkosh Area School District
(920) 424‐0160

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE OSHKOSH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT INVITES COMMUNITY INPUT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2010‐2011 BUDGET.

The Oshkosh Area School District is beginning to develop the 2010‐2011 budget, and again the district is in a similar position as last year in regards to a large budget deficit. Last year the budget was reduced by over $5 million due to changes brought forth in school funding by the State biannual budget. In the second year of the biennium it is anticipated that the same or a slightly larger deficit will exist. The deficit is addressed by reducing expenditures, raising revenues or a combination of both.

Understanding that change is inevitable, the district must be prepared to continue to change how it operates. In order to develop a list of over five million dollars in expenditure reductions, input from the community and staff is crucial.

Two open meetings, for all citizens and staff, will be held for the purpose of reviewing the options listed below and adding other options to the list.

The meetings are scheduled for 6:30 pm:

􀂾 December 9, 2009 at West High School – Alberta Kimball Auditorium, 375 N. Eagle Street ‐ 54902

􀂾 January 6, 2010 at North High School – Theater, 110 W. Smith Ave, ‐ 54901

Over 80% of the district budget is used for salary and benefits. Therefore, some reductions must come from efficiencies such as consolidating buildings and reducing personnel. The Board of Education has asked for a list of options to consider as they address the 2010‐2011 deficit. Some of the options will come from the Public Management Partners and Bray Reports on facilities.

2010‐2011 options include:

􀂾 downsizing from five middle schools to three or four middle schools

􀂾 repurposing a middle school into a larger elementary school

􀂾 closing or repurposing smaller elementary schools

􀂾 transferring students, and making boundary adjustments based on closing or repurposing schools

􀂾 moving students who reside in leased space into district buildings

􀂾 raising class sizes

􀂾 downsizing the number of staff in the district

The board of education will begin deliberations on the 2010‐2011 budget at the January 13, 2010 meeting and continue until the goal is met.