Ahwatukee Foothills residents and parents will have an opportunity to listen to Kyrene School District’s finalized budget for the 2012-13 school year and ask questions at the July 10 governing board meeting.
Kyrene officials spoke on some of the major points to the maintenance and operations budget, which is estimated at $98.8 million for next school year, at the June 26 governing board meeting. Board members could possibly vote on and approve the budget at the July 10 meeting.
After months of discussion, Kyrene put together an over-arching plan to make up the nearly $5.3 million projected budget deficit. Reduced insurance payments, a transfer of capital outlay revenue limit, and an “energy challenge” were among the most significant actions that helped them build toward balancing the budget.
About $2.4 million would be transferred from the Capital Outlay Revenue Limit (CORL), which can go to maintenance and operations or the Unrestricted Capital Fund.
Next year, the district will introduce an “energy challenge” to district schools. The goal is to reduce energy output by 2,800,000 kilowatt-hour and create a savings of $350,000. The amount would be a 11.5 percent reduction in energy consumption. Schools that make the biggest impact will receive prizes each month for becoming more energy efficient, with an annual prize going to the most successful school.
The district looks to save $364,000 by reducing what was originally 19 full-time equivalent (FTE) math and literacy coaches to 12.5 FTE. However, more could be taken on at some schools who have access to Title 1 funding, which goes to schools that serve low-income families.
The governing board will hear from the community on July 10 at the Kyrene District Office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road in Tempe. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and there will be time for residents to speak to the board.
To find out more, visit www.kyrene.org.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
