Budget Guiding Principles

The Board recognizes that to submit a balanced budget, certain programs and staff will be impacted in each year of the budget. In certain circumstances, those impacts provide for growth or enhancement and in other cases, reductions may be necessary.

With that understanding, the Board directs the Superintendent to apply the following principles necessary for the development of the budget.

  1. We will be sensitive to our diverse needs and continue to focus on eliminating disparities among all groups.
  2. We will prioritize coursework necessary for on-time graduation.
  3. We will focus on maintaining and enhancing social emotional well-being and mental health services for all students.
  4. We will focus on maintaining and enhancing the quality of learning and the learning environment for all students.
  5. We will protect our institutional or program accreditations or compliance with laws and regulations.
  6. We will rely on data and benchmarks, when available, to assess the educational impact of programs and initiatives considered for enhancement, reduction or elimination.
  7. We will engage with the community to ensure transparency and communicate adjustments to district staff, partner organizations, parents, and community members.
  8. If position eliminations are necessary, we will make every effort, to reassign displaced employees to vacant positions for which they qualify.

Budget Development Criteria

  1. We will put the safety of our students, as well as staff, partners, and the community, at the forefront of all decisions.

  2. We will consider the essential needs for maintenance of our physical facilities when making decisions.

  3. We will be mindful of long-term financial impacts regarding both program enhancements and reductions.
  4. We will prioritize the affordability and access to athletics, activities and school meals.