Transportation cuts likely at high school

Governor Jerry Brown’s midyear budget cuts have impacted the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD), and the board of trustees is considering eliminating home-to-school transportation.

According to Superintendent Dale Mitchell, a reduction of $446,000 in transportation would take place in the 2012-2013 academic school year.

“The governor had made a proposal that all transportation be eliminated,” he said. “We had concerns already because the cost for transportation here was above and beyond what the state was funding.”

Mitchell stated it is unclear whether or not there will ultimately be changes or revisions made to funding amounts. According to 2010-2011 data for students riding the busses, approximately 1,090 regular education riders use the busses throughout the Fallbrook, Bonsall and Vallecitos districts.

“Out of all that, only 727 paid any kind of fee,” said Mitchell. “In the agenda item, we were reluctant to pay for more funding when there are other fiscal challenges the district is facing.”

The board’s Jan. 23 meeting involved discussion on what funds might be potentially cut, with the next two board meetings, scheduled for Feb. 13 and 27 to include discussions about cuts and the timeline it would take to implement them.

“It is expected that the board will make a decision on Monday, March 5,” said Mitchell. “This doesn’t mean that these decisions can’t be changed later on as new and more up-to-date information comes in, but for now, the board needs to make some preliminary decisions.”

Mitchell stated the district will need to choose other areas in which to make budget cuts, as there will be a $2.8 million deficit in the budget. Transportation only represents $446,000 of that amount.

“The magnitude of the adjustments associated with the general funds is significant,” said Mitchell. Mitchell said that other reductions could be made to compensations, and eliminations may be made to undefined certificated employees.

“Other general concepts included increasing student-to-teacher ratios, restructuring the counseling office, and making some other non-personnel reductions,” said Mitchell. “The last board meeting was meant to be an initial identification of the scope of the problem, and looking at some possible options. Hopefully we can refine the options being considered, and we can discover other strategies that we haven’t identified. In essence, we are exploring options and listening and learning.”

Because of the state’s revenue reduction and the declining enrollment, Mitchell stated that the board has some tough decisions to make.

“We are hoping to get the word out,” said Mitchell. “The board is not interested in covertly making decisions, and we want the community to be aware of our financial status and the challenges we are facing.”

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