Governor’s proposed budget could translate to $2.3 million
increase
Gilroy – When four district officials traveled to the state capitol in January, they were greeted with some uncharacteristically good news: schools haven’t seen a better budget proposal in more than 20 years.
During Thursday’s board meeting, Gilroy Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Steve Brinkman revealed the district’s first interim budget report based on the Governor’s proposal. If the budget is adopted the district’s revenues will increase by about $2.3 million.
The proposal includes a cost-of-living-adjustment of 5.18 percent, compared to 4.23 percent this year, $156 million for enrollment growth and the same level of revenue equalization among school districts,
The governor has proposed the expansion of some existing programs and new programs, such as support for students who aren’t passing the California High School Exit Exam and grants for increased physical education programs, technical education programs and art and music programs.
Gilroy’s revenue projection for the 2006-2007 is $56 million and the district is expecting to collect nearly $2.6 million in Average Daily Attendance dollars. The state pays school districts ADA money per student, every day that student is in class.
The district may have an estimated $4.4 million surplus – $2.2 million more than the 3 percent required by the state for economic uncertainties. For the 2007-2008 school year, the district estimates a revenue of $59 million and a $5.2-million surplus.
Brinkman will present the second interim budget report at the March 16 board meeting. The board will stage a study session at 6pm Tuesday at the district office
Heather Bremner covers education for the Dispatch. Reach her at hb******@************ch.com or 847-7097.
About the Budget
Upcoming meeting:
– Study session to go over budget: Tuesday at 6pm at the district office, 7810 Arroyo Circle
– 2005-2006 Adopted Budget
Total revenue: $52.7
Expenditures: $47.7
Teachers: $26 million
Avg. Daily Attendance:
$1.9 million
– 2006-2007 Projected Budget
Projected revenue: $56 million
Expenditures: $49 million
Teachers: $27.8 million
Avg. Daily Attendance:
$2.6 million
