AISD Contemplating Budget Cuts

The Austin Independent School District is facing a budget shortfall of $30 to $60 million next year and is contemplating serious budget cuts to address the issue.

This budget shortfall will most likely mean job cuts, but right now board members
are considering a long list of budget-cutting options.

More than 1,000 community members and staff have had the chance to look at a four-page survey and tell board members what they think are the best options to reduce the budget.

The budget won't be approved until next summer, but board members are getting an early start on it because of the huge shortfall they are facing. District officials say the shortfall is in part due to losing some federal and state funds so now they need to figure out what will go.

Some of the options that teachers are most upset about are doing away with a teacher planning period, and reducing full day pre-k to half day.

However there are many other options board members will look at in the coming months. They have some tough decisions to make.

AISD Budget Savings Options

- implement energy savings program - $500,000
- increase student to teacher ratio - $7,300,000
- eliminate planning period for secondary teachers - $17,400,000
- eliminate full day pre-k and offer 1/2 day - $6,200,000

AISD 2011-2012 Budget Revenue Options

- charge for athletic participation - $620,000
- charge fee for magnet school transportation - $920,000
- charge tuition for full day pre-k - $6,200,000

Board members are expected to have a preliminary budget by February and then approve it by next summer. The board is still waiting to find out just how much finding they will lose.