Dallas ISD approves $1.174 billion budget

Additional cuts to the general operating budget include: a 58% cut in travel, a 20% cut from non-salary budgets, elimination of the campus planning period at secondary schools, cuts of various stipends for teachers, and a 2% across the board salary cut for non-campus staff.

Class-size ratios at secondary campuses will rise slightly, from 25:1 to 26:1 at high schools, from 23:1 to 24:1 at seventh and eighth grade classes and 23:1 to 25:1 for sixth grade classes. Ratios for PreK will be 22:1 while teacher assistants will be assigned at a ratio of 1 for every 2 teachers. The budget also reduces the number of elementary and high school librarians as well as elementary counselors. However, the board approved an amendment to the budget directing the administration to return to the 2010-2011 staffing formula for librarians and report back at the August board meeting.

Previous budget versions presented to the board called for a reduction in police and security personnel, parking lot attendants and school monitors. The budget approved by the board returns some of these positions back to the campuses: 19 police and security officers—one at every middle school; study hall aides and parking lot attendants—1 per comprehensive high school, with Skyline receiving 2 parking lot attendants; and school monitors—2 for each comprehensive middle school and 2 for the first 600 students at comprehensive high schools, with 1 additional for every 600 students.

“We have presented several budget scenarios to the board and feel this is the plan that makes the most sense for Dallas ISD, given the circumstances,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Alan King. “Lessening the impact at the campus level has been and continues to be our goal during this very challenging time. I believe this budget is our best option.”

This year’s budget takes into consideration plans for the 2012-13 budget, when Dallas ISD’s revenue will be further reduced by the state by an additional $37 million. As a result, Dallas ISD will need to cut approximately $25 million for the 2012-13 school year. The district is already looking for ways to reduce spending by reducing the budget for substitute teachers, looking for additional efficiencies in non-campus budgets, possibly closing campuses and reducing legal costs. Additional relief may be found by implementing furlough days and raising elementary class-sizes as a result of pending legislation.