School District's Budget Picture Could Become Clearer Feb. 22

The Menomonee Falls School District is facing unprecedented uncertainty as officials begin work on the 2011-12 budget.

The School Board held a special public meeting on the budget Monday prior to its regular meeting, and the budget scenario was pretty much the same as what was reported .

Basically, the district is facing a minimum budget deficit of $1.7 million next year, but that deficit could reach $3.3 million depending the state budget. Administrators are holding their breath until Feb. 22, when Gov. Scott Walker is expected to present his proposed state budget.

Despite the uncertainty, preliminary layoff notices must be sent out to staff by March 2. Superintendent Keith Marty said the district anticipates reducing staff by between 12 and 18 full-time equivalent positions. Preliminary layoff notices will be approved at the Feb. 28 board meeting.

“We have not had, perhaps, this level of uncertainty before,” Marty said.  “But we certainly have had a long history with budget deficits. We’ve been able to work through the process and present a balanced budget without destroying our comprehensive programs.”

Board President Kathy Shurilla wanted the public to understand that the budget woes facing the district are not a result of financial mismanagement by administrators. Rather, it’s a result of changes changes to public education funding by state lawmakers and cuts in state aid.

“We always do what we have to do with our budget with the money we are given to run our school,” Shurilla said. “We have yet another hurdle to jump this year to make it work, and to keep people happy.”

There will be more opportunities coming up after Feb. 22 for the public to participate in public discussions regarding the budget.