Since assuming the position of Bear Valley Unified School District’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Wright has also chaired the district’s Budget Advisory Committee, which has met 10 times since October 25 to discuss potential budget reductions, amounting to nearly $1.5 million through school year 2011/2012. As outlined by Dr. Wright for BVUSD’s Board of Trustees, which met on Monday evening, November 9 to review budget cut recommendations, “Each Budget Advisory Committee representative met with their respective staffs and/or groups and heard the concerns and recommendations for budget reductions. I assure you, input from all stakeholders was heard and considered in this process.” Though the School Board will not take action on the proposed cuts until they meet next Monday, November 16 at 5:30pm at the school district offices, proposed recommendations include the elimination of a high school counselor and a reduction in hours for the librarian; reductions in budgets for professional development, travel and conferences; a $10,000 reduction to the BBHS athletic travel budget over two years; management furlough days; and, for next school year, increasing class sizes in grades kindergarten through 12th; and, in the 2011/2012 school year, the possibility of a school realignment. The district will also consider creating an attendance officer position, which would serve two purposes: generating additional revenue through ADA (average daily attendance) and improving student education by increasing attendance. There are a total of 24 suggestions that were offered by the BAC, given the dollar figures necessitated by the Board, but, again, no cuts will be approved until the November 16 meeting. As Wright further explained of the Budget Advisory Committee, “Their recommendations are well thought out, and are consistent with the priorities of the health and safety of students and staff, improving ADA and maintaining a comprehensive instructional program for all students.”
