Fixed costs up for Wichita school budget; base state aid up, too
On a positive note, budget discussions will be a little brighter for Wichita Public Schools for the 2012-2013 school year.
The district is anticipating $4.2 million in revenues from an increase in base state aid per pupil.
"It gives you a snapshot of where we think we'll have some additional revenues - which is not a conversation we've been able to have the last several years," said Superintendent John Allison. "It's been about the huge holes that are created there."
However, the base aid figure of $3,838 still comes in well short of its peak at $4,433 in February of 2009, or even at $3,870 in 2001.
"Even with the increase to $3,838 for next year's budget, that is still at 2001 funding levels," Allison said. "When you take a look at this, putting that into perspective of almost $60 million we've cut, $4.2 (million) doesn't get us very far in making up some of that."
The district is estimating about $3 million in savings from retirement and vacancies. It also estimates more than $12.6 million in fixed cost increases, including more than $4.5 million for technology. Transportation fuel and contracts, utilities and additional staffing for special education are also expected to tack on more than $1 million each in the fixed cost total.
The board of education will hear a budget presentation at its July 23 meeting. The board intends to approve a budget for publication on August 13, with a public hearing and final approval to come two weeks later.
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