PRESS RELEASE: BUDGET REPAIR BILL'S IMPACTS ON OASD

For Immediate Release: March 8, 2011


For more information contact:
Donald Viegut
Superintendent
Oshkosh Area School District
(920) 424-0160

Long-term the Governor’s budget as proposed will significantly impact the district’s ability to provide a quality education in the Oshkosh Area School District. The district was already facing a 26 million dollar shortfall over five years. Those districts not facing large budget shortfalls are better positioned to retain quality programs and services for the students and communities they serve.

Prior to the release of the Governor’s budget repair bill, district and association leaders had been proactive in addressing the district’s budget challenges. They were collaborating effectively to balance the district budget.

It is premature to assume that the suggested 12.6% of healthcare and 5.8% in pension contribution will be sufficient to provide sustainable funding now and into the future. In fact, no decisions have been made on changes to the employee contribution in healthcare or pension.

The Oshkosh Area School District is already a low spending, high performing district. The district will need to compete with surrounding communities for quality employees. It will become imperative to provide the compensation and working conditions that will allow Oshkosh to retain, attract, and recruit employees. This will allow the district to maintain high student achievement and become a destination community.