School board gets first peek at budget
A $58 increase in base state aid per pupil is a positive step for Wichita Public Schools, but Superintendent John Allison hopes it is more than a one-hit wonder.
"This is the first time in a number of years we're seeing a little bit of a tick upward in base funding per pupil," Allison said. "Yes, it was good to have a year where we're getting a little on the base versus having to look at significant reductions, but that's a long way to go to make up for the almost $600 per pupil that we've been cut."
The district will receive $3,838 per pupil for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. That number is up from the previous year, but below its peak of $4,400 in 2008-2009.
The school board received its first look at the upcoming budget at its Monday meeting.
This year, the district operated on a $606 million budget. However, Allison said recent cuts have sliced into the unrestricted budget.
Among the associated cuts were 279 staff positions, the closing of five schools and freezing wage increases.
The district is hoping to provide some type of raise for employees in the upcoming year, but recent negotiations with the teacher's union stalled.
Technology, transportation and utilities are among the areas expected to increase costs by more than $11 million for the next year.
The board intends to approve the budget at its July 23 meeting.
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