Last year, Osseo schools ended up cutting almost $15 million out of this year's budget by closing a couple of schools, revamping the programs at four others, laying off scores of teachers, and dickering with school start and end times.
Now comes the payoff.
Even in the midst of a deep recession and with state government struggling with an estimated $4.6 billion shortfall, the district goes into the 2009-2010 school year in far better shape than last year.
According to a budget recommendation document submitted to the school board by superintendent Susan Hintz, the district will have to make $1.7 million in reductions to next year's budget.
The biggest reduction -- $1.4 million -- would come out of purchased services, supplies and materials. The money saved would be shifted to pay for keeping teachers who would have been laid off because of declining enrollment. Another $253,000 would come out of snow removal, reduced printing costs, and less food for special events, among other things. The total district budget is $191.8 million.
Hintz said another $1.75 million -- not the $4 million originally anticipated -- would have to be cut from the 2010-2011 budget.
The rosier budget picture means Osseo officials don't anticipate having to go to the voters in November to ask for more money in a referendum.
Beyond the 2010-2011 school year, however, things get dicier. Without new revenue, deficits could reach several million dollars, Hintz. She recommended that the district consider holding a levy referendum in November 2010.
